BAND OF BADGERS PRESENTS...#14

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Picture taken from the band's website

It's that time again folks. Time to share the latest podcast via the regular blogcast. I've got lots of top tunes for you from some top quality talent. As mentioned at some point below, this is my current word of the moment - QUALITY! The Sun is out in a clear blue sky this Bank Holiday Monday and I'm struggling to keep my mind from descending into the dark and dank depression that is the awful return to work mindset required after 11 big fat superb stonking days off. The start of this saw me enjoying a wonderful 3 days in the south Oxfordshire countryside at Wood Festival. Time beats me as it always does or else I'd hoped to have had my review of the event up online by now. I've been caught up in a time eddy or a bubble of some sort though. I'm all over it, to use what appears to be one of those dreadful 'management speak' phrases in common use at the moment. Aren't they awful? And yet it is increasingly difficult to not slide down that slippery slope and adopt some such phrases in the day-to-day office culture.

Picture taken from Mark's Facebook page

On the OXJAM Northampton front, I have the main venue I want to host the gig at very interested offering up two provisional dates, so I will be meeting for a coffee to discuss more details and how to proceed with it. Exciting! More news when things are more certain. On the blog front, I've set up my WordPress account so am currently fine-tuning what I want the new blog to look like up on there. I also discovered as I was having a play, that it is possible to import a blog from Blogger. Thus, I hit 'import' but sadly lost all the pictures and media embedded on those posts. It's a learning curve but that only makes sense. I'll be working on it for a while to get it looking just right before launching but I will be adopting a new unique URL that you can store in your memory banks for later - www.bandofbadgerspresents.com I think this is the way forward and cannot wait to unveil it but needless to say the link isn't live just yet. I am so tired of all the technical issues with Blogger. It is most often such a painful experience to complete posts. There won't be much change in content. It will still host the blogcast for my podcasts and there will be the regular multi-music shares, reviews and time permitting some more band/artist profiles. And no, I have not forgotten nor am I neglecting the fabulous The Fireflys. That post, along with a number of others at present, is in the making.

Picture taken from the band's website

Now, without further adieu, let's get on with the show! 

THE PLAYLIST:

1. Gladiator - Wings Of Apollo
2. Spooks - The Scholars
3. Last Of The Hobo Kings - Mary Gauthier
4. Never Letting You Go - Robb Murphy
5. Birdsong - Mark Nichols
6. In The Wreckage - Reichenbach Falls
7. Microlove - Summa
8. I've Been Waiting - Lavers
9. Bad Karma - The Como Brothers Band
10. Hold On To Saturday - Wings Of Apollo

WINGS OF APOLLO

What a way to open up a podcast. What a way to close a podcast. Yes, I was so torn over which Wings of Apollo track I should play from their tremendous self-titled debut album, I could only settle on two. The album is available to download 100% totally FREE (click >>here<<). If you haven't snapped it up already then you best be quick off the mark now. I have my tech guys* busy locating all your IP addresses so I can send round my cat to sort you out.

Gladiator opens up my playlist as it does the album, with a nice big heavy smack of classic rock combined with incredibly smart and nifty contemporary elements. And some impressive guitar riffs that will knock you clean out with their hurricane-strength force. HELL YEAH!! In contrast but with no less punch behind its impact, Hold On To Saturday helps me demonstrate in one podcast, the versatility and range this band manage to showcase via the album. You think that's amazing you need to get on downloading that full FREE album and checking out the other masterpieces therein. No excuses folks, just top quality banging rock masterpieces. Now GO GET! http://www.wingsofapollo.com/

*there are no such guys, just me.

THE SCHOLARS

Picture from The Scholars Facebook page

When stating how Spooks has always been my personal favourite of The Scholars' most recent batch of singles I feel like I'm a broken record. I've shared and bigged up all the other songs too because quite frankly in this alternative indie rock trio we have a top quality band putting out music that cuts right through to your soul and makes that all-important lasting connection. Make sure you grab your FREE download of Spooks below. Then check out the other releases from the band because there are some more ace freebies too.

The huge atmospheric sound these guys produce is simply put, phenomenal! And they master the live performance like true professionals. Following their recent performance at the O2 Academy Oxford as part of a BBC Introducing event, a number of new dates are set to be announced for June & July. The band is also currently mixing a few new tracks so please get 'liking' their Facebook page too keep on top of these updates. Get along to a show if you are nearby and let's keep music live! https://www.facebook.com/thescholarsofficial

MARY GAUTHIER

There is one word I choose that befits Mary Gauthier and that is musical legend. Okay, that is technically two words but as I mention on the podcast itself, I hold her right up there with the likes of Wilco and Bob Dylan. She has the ability to render me just so in awe to be speechless.

I make it no secret how much Last Of The Hobo Kings has been formally enshrined into my top most favourite songs of all time EVER list. The instrumental opening few seconds of this song move me through space and time. When finally settling and opening my eyes, Old Steam Train Maury is standing right there in front of me as this obituary song plays out. His entire personality is relayed with such vividness I do have to check to ensure I'm not hallucinating. If you don't have Live At Blue Rock then there is something very wrong with you.

Just have a listen to closing track Wheel Inside The Wheel above. You'll notice there's also a hidden track therein. This is a wondrous tasty treat in the form of a heavenly version of Mercy Now, complete with gospel choir on backing vocals. Then the video of a performance of Mercy Now at the Frog Pond. You can thank me later but most of all thank Mary by buying her marvelous music. You can read my review of the album, Live At Blue Rock by clicking >>here<<. http://www.marygauthier.com/

ROBB MURPHY

The song featured, Never Letting You Go, is available as a FREE download from Robb's bandcamp page. When musicians of this stature are giving away music you really MUST NOT pass it by. Entice you into buying some more of Robb Murphy's perfect blend of gentle acoustic alternative indie pop. The acoustics are sublime. The songrwriting is first class. 

With a musicianship to rival the greats, you need to stop stalling and get on board. Robb has debut album Take A Stand out and with it smashes through all barriers with something magnificent. Have a sample of the singles from the album below and judge for yourselves. This is accomplished stuff. Little wonder he's been receiving so many amazing reviews and heady praise. You really need to also be having a listen to the three live demos he's got up on his soundcloud page because they are quite something!

Take A Stand is available in a variety of formats all to aid in your purchasing and thus listening pleasure. http://robbmurphy.com

For you iTuners click >>here<<.

For you Amazoners click >>here<<.

Or from Robb's own online shop click >>here<<.

MARK NICHOLS

What a talent Mark Nichols has. He's no one trick pony either, as he's a rather stunning photographer too. Although even if he was a one trick pony on the side of his sensational music, it would be one incredibly impressive and successful trick to have.

Following the release of the stunning and original EP Traveller last year, Mark followed it up with the release of a FREE acoustic track called In The Arms Of Angels. I'm rather excited about the live acoustic EP he is currently working on and it goes without saying I need to catch him live at the first opportunity I can.

I certainly won't miss out because as I've said before when featuring Mark on the blog, this is one talented young singer-songwriting musician who is going to be HUGE! https://www.facebook.com/marknicholsmusic

REICHENBACH FALLS

These guys certainly didn't disappoint when I caught them live at Wood Festival on Saturday 18th May.  They performed superbly although I regret I couldn't hang around to say hi after their set ended for the only reason I had to mozy on over to the other stage so as not to miss Flights Of Helios. It was great to hear a few more songs that will be featuring on the Reichenbach Falls full album, Reports Of Snow. Some videos of some of the songs are already up on t'intertweb, the one for Stay Home, Elizabeth which is below for you to see in all its gorgeous glory.

Stay Home, Elizabeth from Reichenbach Falls on Vimeo.

I can't believe it was so long ago now I reviewed the wonderful EP I'll Never Go Anywhere Without Her Now. That was back on Band of Badgers Presents...#12. Go >>here<< to read that and make sure you buy a copy so you are fully prepared for Reports Of Snow. 

Seeing the videos of some others songs and seeing the band play those and the more familiar tracks from the EP has well and truly whetted my appetite for the LP even more. I am positively ravenous for it. A superb title as well and yes it does remind me of Game Of Thrones but how can it not? Winter Is Coming after all. Please do go and 'like' the Reichenbach Falls Facebook page so you can keep up to date with all the latest news and the live dates that are soon to be going up. https://www.facebook.com/ReichenbachFalls 

SUMMA

I use the phrase a lot but then it tends to happen to me quite a lot, so it is only down to the superb music dancing its way to my ears. Blown away. Yes, that's the one - and Summa blew me to Timbuktu with the song Microlove. It was a FREE download and I just had to share it on the podcast after featuring it and the band on the blog a while back. An alternative indie rock duo from Boulder, Colorado I was quite surprised how amazing they sounded. Not that I was being prejudice or expecting it to be anything bad you understand. It just completely blew me away.

Checking out more music and Jake O'Neal's YouTube page I've uncovered even more phenomenal music that has blown me away yet again. I am indeed having to write this bit of the post while whirling around in a hurricane. I will cover Jake's solo stuff separately in a forthcoming post but with how wonderful the music is I cannot but share it here as well, while I'm on the subject. You can check out and buy his own self-titled EP/single from iTunes by clicking >>here<<.

Picture taken from the band's Facebook page

Not only one incredibly talented young guy, Jake is also a part of funk/reggae/soul group Intuit along with fellow Summa member Max Grossman and a bunch of other really great individuals. I've checked this out too of course and there is some superb stuff. You can check out some of these tunes on Intuit's Reverbnation page >>here<<. You can expect them to feature on the blog at some point in the future as well. Back to Jake for a moment though, please visit his Facebook page and hit that 'like' button. You will want to know as his updates go up and being as busy a bee as he is, Facebook will help you do this. Jake O'Neal on Facebook is >>here<<.

Back to Summa and I really can't wait to hear more from these guys because like I say, Microlove just blew me clean away. I explained how it gets really embedded in my head and I play it endlessly on repeat afterwards. On mind radio, I mean. When it no longer pops up on loop I simply ensure I listen to it again and wham bam, it's there for another long stint. I really could listen to it just endlessly. http://www.summamusic.com/

LAVERS

Picture taken from the band's Facebook page

Third time round on the podcast for this Australian band with a song I featured previously on the blog. I've Been Waiting is available from iTunes >>here<<. Let me here those clicks, folks and get downloading this fabulous music. It was recorded at Sydney's Studios 301 with Simon Todkill (Mark Ronson, Matt Corby, Kanye West). You also need to check out their other records up there, The Street Is A Symphony >>here<< and Endless Corridors >>here<<. These two marvelous EPs are also available via bandcamp >>here<< for those of you who prefer to avoid iTunes.

Brothers Dom and Sebastian work ceaselessly to get Lavers where they want to and should be. With added depth and layers from drummer Matt Barnes and bassist Chris Law, the band have a bright future ahead of them. Gigging extensively last year, they became known for their electrifying live shows, complete with mass sing-alongs and crowd participation.

I'm saving hard (seriously? on my salary? if only I could) to get myself over to Australia soon where I can take in the musical delights of Lavers before moving on to New Zealand to soak up the superb sounds of Julie Lamb. Keep yourselves up to date with all things Lavers because the word is out they have another new single due out soon! www.laversband.com

THE COMO BROTHERS BAND

Taken from their most recent EP Still Waters, Bad Karma is the second outing on the podcast for The Como Brothers Band. And why not? Music this great needs to be shared as often as possible. It is a top track as well! Another couple of brothers who are working endlessly to make a success with their music, Matt and Andrew Como are talent incarnate.

Sell Music online at ReverbNation.com

Quite rightly so, success is heading their way after a very busy and exciting 2012 that has seen their profile bought to the attention of some movers and shakers. How these guys remain unsigned at present is a mystery but such is the way of the music industry these days. Still, there is no disputing they have more than enough talent to carry them on and through to the big time. Amongst a number of other exciting things, the band's music has been placed on MTV's Real World Portland and the instrumental version of their song Your Love has been placed in adverts for Quicksilver. Not only this, but they have music featuring on a soundtrack for indie film Wingman Inc, due out later in the year.

Having been selected to play The Warped Tour at Nassau Coliseum last year, the band are vying for a place on the Vans Warped Tour 2013. You lovely people can help them get there by voting for them in the Ernie Ball Battle Of The Bands >>here<<. Thank you please. Here's to another big year for a great indie band! Oh, and before I finish, if you don't already have the Still Waters EP you should head to iTunes for it >>here<<. http://comobrothersband.com/

MERCIA EVENTS PRESENTS....LIVE HOUSE

It is always with regret when I am unable to get myself to live events when I am asked and welcomed so nicely. I urge ALL of you live music fans who live nearby to Burton-On-Trent to get yourselves to Mercia Events next Live House gig on Thursday 6th June. Even just you music fans who don't usually extend yourselves to the live circuit. You are missing out on something so special. All the bands or artists featured are top quality indie musicians who live for playing their music and sharing it with you, the people. It will make for a cracking night so get along please!

Following on from last month's amazing night featuring the excellent bands The Cheap Thrills and The Indieannas, June's gig sees the tremendous Trouble With Tuesday and vivacious The Velocets take over the evening to entertain with their remarkably accomplished music. Pure quality from both these bands! That seems to be my new word of the moment - quality. Totally justified by such quality I'm hearing and seeing. I'll be taking a closer look at both the bands in future posts.

So, yet another top night of live music ahead. I really need a helicopter! The venue for you lucky folks who will be able to enjoy this is Brewhouse Arts Centre, Burton On Trent, DE14 1EB. Tickets are just £5 so there is no excuse not to part with such a small sum for such a superb night as this will be. http://www.merciaevents.com/

NEW CASSETTES

Closer to home and the town where I live for this band. Thanks to Craig Gibson of The Puppet Rebellion for pointing me in the direction of Northampton's very own New Cassettes. Another amazing band from this town I had no idea of until they were suggested to me. Just goes to show how much I need to be looking around here a bit more for some top music.

Their second album Winterhead is now available and have a listen below, it is quite something! You can buy it via iTunes >>here<<. This  is crisp and fresh indie rock I am becoming rather a huge fan of. http://newcassettes.com/



THE MID-SUMMER CLASSIC
It's a while since I first came across this US alternative pop rock band. As usual it is just lack of time and space as to why they haven't featured in a post before now. At least, I don't recall them having done so. If they have it will have been quite some time ago now. Either way, their sensational track Space Queen really needs a share. It is AMAZING! So big and atmospheric. I am seriously loving this tune!

Picture taken from the band's Facebook page

The Mid-Summer Classic are as yet unsigned, which given the quality (yes, that word again) of this music, is just a crime. Their bio on Facebook sums them up really well, 'Energetic songs filled with heart-felt relatable lyrics and catchy choruses'. Space Queen is the first track on their most recent EP Euphoria which contains a further 4 stunning tracks. Buy it from iTunes >>here<<. Euphoria is also available via bandcamp and you can have a listen below. https://www.facebook.com/themidsummerclassic

THE SHALLOWS

WOW! Yes, my extreme WOW for this post comes thanks to The Shallows with Honestly. Honestly, how AWESOME is this tune!? Available as a FREE download too. You know what to do by now. Let me hear those clicks, folks. Seriously, there is so much superb music that is totally FREE these days.

There's also a superb animated video for the song. The band strike me as enigmatic with an air about them that is mysterious but honest.

Also for your enjoyment is the acoustic video of Get Gone, filmed down on The South Bank in the Antarctic March temperatures. This is some fantastic music and tuneage here. More to come from The Shallows soon! http://theshallows.co/ << And as the guys have to point out, it really is just .co.....no .uk or anything after it.

WHITE CLOUDS & GUNFIRE

Another fairly local band, this time from neighbouring Peterborough (okay not exactly neighbouring but it isn't far from Northampton). While researching some local talent a couple of weeks ago my ears bathed me in gratitude for stumbling upon White Clouds & Gunfire. Their distinct alternative punk rock sound is instantly catchy and infectious. Infectious in the kind of way that you want to lick them to ensure you catch what it is they got. Perhaps that is taking the metaphor a little bit far but just listen to the sounds, folks! Then get licking, oh, excuse me, I mean clicking...to find lots more from this awesome band.

Hit 'like' on their Facebook page as they have an important tour announcement coming on 7th June you won't want to miss. There's already lots of live dates up on the page for you to get scribbling in your diaries or setting reminders on your digital devices (I did that last time, right? about does anyone still use pens and paper now?). Their band profile page on facebook is actually one of the smartest I've seen and as you can imagine I've looked at quite a lot over the last year or more.

They are giving away a FREE download of the song Satellite too so make sure you click, click and grab it! Superb tunes from a very tight sounding awesome band here. https://www.facebook.com/wcagf

TIME TO GET BRIEF...

CASTRO

From across The Narrow Sea to beautiful Belfast (where they doth film a great deal of the great Game Of Thrones of course) for the latest song from alternative indie band Castro. The opening guitar to this track does things to me. It is top notch stuff. The song overall is impressive, lyrically, vocally and musically. It leaves me yearning for more from these guys.

Make sure you get to their Facebook page and 'like' so you can keep updated on all things Castro Music. https://www.facebook.com/castrobelfast

PHOENIX FOUNDATION
Just a brief one from this New Zealand band for the moment but I could not go without at least sharing something from them. Thanks to the lovely singer-songwriter Julie Lamb for sending me a link to the band on Facebook. It was for a show they were doing in London a few weeks ago, which as I don't live there or near enough (or more importantly don't get paid enough to get myself there often enough for such things) I was unable to make it.

Totally digging the sound of this band though so will be covering more about them soon. http://www.thephoenixfoundation.co.nz

LEWIS WATSON

I was well and truly put in some kind of trance when mooching through some music videos and finding this one. It was likely a tweet or a someone 'liked' it on Facebook. I think Lewis sounds phenomenal so please check out his stuff for me and give some more support.

You can pre-order his EP Four More Songs (due out 1st July) from iTunes >>here<<. This video is for the song Into The Wild, taken from a previous EP, The Wild which can also be purchased from iTunes >>here<<. http://lewiswatsonmusic.com/

LUCAS GULLIFORD
A stunning demo track from Lucas Gulliford up on his soundcloud page. This was another WOW for me, make no mistake. https://www.facebook.com/lucasgullifordmusic

FIRST THINGS FIRST 

THIS IS WHO WE ARE (DOCUMENTARY)

Get to know US alternative rock band First Things First a whole lot more by watching their full documentary on their YouTube channel First Things First TV >>here<<. The trailer for this is below.

These guys are heading out on their This Is Who We Are tour from June 22nd to July 27th across a nice wide range of States so if you're a US reader of the blog and this superb blend of alternative indie rock is your bag, you HAVE to get along to a show. It is going to be something special as this band aims to leave its mark on America. https://firstthingsfirst.bandpage.com/

GUY VALARINO ON THE WALL

This is kind of 'just in' but Guy Valarino has been on my music radar for a wee while now. Well, not The Wall in The North of Westeros, no - but rather beautiful song City Walls, from a wall. Sublime! Guy is a British singer-songwriter from Gibraltar and brings you a warm sound to render those Mediterranean shores beneath your very feet.

I'm way too late in sharing the info but for any London-bound/based readers, Guy has a gig at the famed Ronnie Scott's Bar on Tuesday 28th May. Please do not miss out! To whet your appetite even further there's a video below he did for Garden Gnome Sessions. http://guyvalarino.com/

AND NOW FOR SOMETHING 

COMPLETELY DIFFERENT

TIM MINCHIN'S STORM:

THE ANIMATED MOVIE

I count myself fortunate to have seen the brilliant Tim Minchin perform live twice now. Sadly, I've not seen him billed at any of the festivals I'm attending this summer but I sincerely hope I get to see him again someday. He is one of the most intelligent singing comedians out there, something proven by this short film he released a few years ago.

Well, I must come to a close. If only so I may get on with the mountainous tasks I still have ahead of me. I hope you enjoyed podcast #14 and found some great new music as a result, from the show itself as well as from this extended blogcast. Still so much more I wanted to include but it was already beginning to grow large so the line must now be drawn. Expect lots more posts in quick succession (he says). Album reviews aplenty are still on their way, apologies as always for my ridiculous delay. I seem to be rhyming, it's always the timing, so let's shut my face and get out of this place. Peace to you all and catch you soon.

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BAND OF BADGERS PRESENTS **BITESIZE**

Howdy ho folks! Yes that is what Mr Hankey the Christmas poo doth sayeth but let's not go to the gutter just yet. We have a whole post to go for that. Well, not exactly. Or rather a bit of a yes and no. A contradiction - that just about sums me up proper. What I mean is this is a post that could not wait. It's spontaneous. Not exactly random as I have so much music and music news queued up to share and some of it really needs sharing ASAP. So I figured why not add this to the vast mountainous pile I already have backed up so far I can't even see out the windows of the flat? And here it is. And I'm still waffling on. It is finally time to see if I can do it. A bite-sized Band of Badgers Presents. As the name suggests and my time available is pretty much zero, there will be as little waffle from me as possible. I just need to share this stuff with y'all. Let's get cracking then!!

JOYCE THE LIBRARIAN HIT THE ROAD

A band I've featured on the blog in some capacity before when they released the first single Follow Me I'm, Right Behind You. This was taken from their excellent album They May Put Land Between Us, which was also one of my top albums of 2012. I needed to share the news regards their May/June tour that is happening and as it is now mid-May I thought waiting until next week (with me being away at the wonderful Wood Festival this coming weekend) would be eating into that live date schedule. So, please see the dates for this below and ensure you have a jolly good reason for not getting to a show if the band are playing near you because you will have an amazing time. Also for your enjoyment is the latest video from Joyce The Librarian for the opening track on the album, Traps. Traps is out on Folkwit Records on 1st June as a download only. http://www.joycethelibrarian.net/

TOUR DATES

May 17th - The Fountain Head (Alternative Escape) - Brighton

May 21st - The Head of Steam (w/Cyan Circus, Skylark Song, Roger Tarry) - Newcastle

May 22nd - The Rifleman (w/Roger Tarry) - Stalybridge

May 23rd - The Castle Hotel (Thank Folk For That LIVE) - Manchester

May 25th - King's Arms (w/Roger Tarry, Samson & Delilah - Salford

May 28th - The Betsey Trotwood (w/Roger Tarry, Louise Le May) - London

May 30th - ORT Cafe (w/Roger Tarry, Jack Hartley) - Birmingham

May 31st - How the Light Gets In Festival - Hay-On-Wye

June 9th - The Cube Cinema - (w/Roger Tarry, The Weary Band) - Bristol

Way to go getting on the bill of the How The Light Gets In Festival. I've had my eye on that particular event for years now but never been able to go. Live music just cannot be beaten. As a huge fan of it and music in general, yes I am biased. But it is like Katriona Gilmore said at the Gilmore & Roberts gig I went to last October, live music really needs supporting right now and it makes for such a better night than slobbing in front of the TV watching half-arsed reality rubbish. Alright, I added that last bit but it is true. I'm all for slobbing about in front of the TV at times and have nothing against that. While there's music to go see though, that couch is staying lonely.

GROUND CONTROL TO MAJOR CHRIS

With 11.3 million views on YouTube already I'm well aware this video needs no promotional assistance and it has done the rounds by now that most of you will likely have seen it already. The Bowie fan in me just couldn't not share it here, though. It is fantastic stuff. An amazing production and reworking of the classic, Space Oddity.

This song from Bowie, in particular has a special place in my heart and soul. Commander Chris Hadfield has done a remarkable job reworking it here.

VOTING BUTTONS AT THE READY 

FOR JOSH SAVAGE

Well, voting clicks is more apt, I guess. I shared this video for the beautiful Mountains In Hurricanes a few posts ago and it is back here again. While watching it when I voted for Josh Savage to play as support for Gabrielle Aplin at her Bournemouth O2 gig, I found myself HAVING to watch again immediately afterwards. Then last night as I checked the link to Tweet about it again I watched it about four times. The song is just sublime. Please hit this link >>HERE<< and follow the instructions to vote for Josh to win the competition.

Josh has been working hard and performing a number of intimate gigs over the last couple of weeks. Please enjoy the above video but I do warn you to set aside some time to enjoy it on repeat. Then please please please visit this link right >>HERE<< and vote for Josh to win. He is in second place at the moment but needs your support to get right on top! Your assistance is much appreciated. http://joshsavagemusic.com/

To further demonstrate why Josh deserves to win the Gabrielle Aplin support competition you should check out and enjoy his most recent video for the new song Horoscopes, above.

JESS HALL'S LITTLE SONGS 

WITH HUGE PRESENCE

I saw a Tweet from Jess Hall about her playing at Wood Festival on Friday. With having such little free time with everything I've got on I've not been able to check out all the acts on the line-up like I would usually. Just to put the feelers out, if you will please pardon the horrid expression. Anywho, I hadn't got a minute to spare but as she'd shown up on my musical radar during the day I checked out some of her tunes on Soundcloud.

Stunned! Speechless! The first song melted my ears with bliss. Bookshelves moved me. Jess' voice is phenomenally strong and beautiful. I am one lucky chappy to be getting to see her play live this Friday. Excited doesn't even come close. https://www.facebook.com/jesshallsongs

AIDAN LOGAN - TELL ME 

**SINGLE RELEASE**

Yes, I did feature Tell Me from the excellent Aidan Logan a couple of posts ago when he put the single up to stream for your listening pleasure. You can read what I wrote about it by clicking >>here<<. I wanted to follow that up now it has been released (14th May) by diverting you to where you can purchase it. 

It is available via Bandcamp by clicking on the above, of course. It is also available via iTunes and for which you just need to do a nice little click >>here<<.

NIC BENNETT - LONG TIME BLUES

It was thanks to a comment on a post by superb roots singer-songwriter Luke Jackson I saw that Nic Bennett was himself a musician. In the 'just in' category comes this stunning original song from Nic, Long Time Blues.

WOW indeed! This is great stuff and there are a number of other hugely impressive songs his Soundcloud page you need to be checking out. Now please folks. There will be much more from Nic in future posts I can assure you. In the meantime make sure you check out the FREE download he's offering via his bandcamp page below. This Is 6th Form Poetry (Not Keats Or Yeats) really is something.

THE DODOS HAVE CONFIDENCE

You can stream this stunning, epic and melodic return from The Dodos below. Confidence is the first single taken from their forthcoming album Carrier which is out on 27th August on Polyvinyl. There's a big international flavour as it gets releases in Canada, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, China, Japan and Thailand. The formats the release will come in are rather interesting too because as well as the standard CD and digital outlets, it is being produced on LP (180 gram blue vinyl) and cassette (100 limited edition white cassettes).


Confidence is a superb track to be released from the new (and fifth) record and acts as one rather delicious taster for what's in store. The single gets a digital release on May 21st so you can own it then. I will likely cover more on the release of Carrier in the coming weeks. http://www.dodosmusic.net/ 
My thanks to James at Prescription PR for this.

SABIYHA - LIESEL

Watching this Official video for her song Liesel it is easy to see why Sabiyha has already been played on Tom Robinson's BBC 6 Music show. Indie Music News say of her, '..music to cleanse the soul..' I agree wholeheartedly, which is why I just had to share this here on this brief post. There will most definitely, without any doubt of any kind, be more from Sabiyha on the blog in one of the next few posts. Of that I can assure you. I will also be playing one of her songs on the podcast.

The sound is wonderful isn't it? There are more stunning tunes up on her Soundcloud page, which you can get to by clicking on the below. Yes. Space and time are short on this post but I simply could not resist sharing Sabiyha's beautiful cover of House Of The Rising Sun.

Like I say, I will be featuring more about Sabiyha very soon, including something special from The Old Vinyl Factory. http://www.sabiyha.com

Thanks to Patrick at Sweet Luigi for this.

Okay folks, I thought I'd be able to add some more this morning but, ah, what am I saying it is now already afternoon and I have to get off on the road to Oxfordshire for the wonderful Wood Festival. I am simultaneously finishing off podcast #14 too. So I can get it up on my Soundcloud page and its main home on PodOmatic. This is multitasking! So, without further adieu as Justin Waylon Morgan said in a Tweet earlier this week I'm signing off but not before sharing some more great music below. All music with none of my waffleage. Peace all!

THE MAROON MANE 

FROM UMBRELLA HARBOR

WHERE WE'LL GO 

FROM TROUBLE WITH TUESDAY

Big thanks to Mercia Events for sharing this and thus it coming my way. Great stuff. More news from Mercia Events coming VERY SOON!

HOLD YOUR CARDS 

FROM JESSE WILL

STAY HOME, ELIZABETH (LIVE & ACOUSTIC) FROM REICHENBACH FALLS

Stay Home, Elizabeth from Reichenbach Falls on Vimeo.

AN ADDENDUM

Ooh, look at me go with the fancy Latin words. I am just fresh back from the wonderful Wood Festival so I'll be busy working hard on my full review as well as the mountain of other stuff on the 'to do and get done' list this week. It was an amazing event. A real treat of an experience. More on that soon though or else you know me, I'll end up getting into a preview of the review and extend this post by several long (even if interesting and informative) paragraphs.

I just wanted to chiefly embed Band of Badgers Presents...#14 in via my Soundcloud page. For anyone who wants a listen. I'm getting this up on PodOmatic now too and will try and get the full blogcast sorted this week too. Busy busy bumblebee. Ah, bees. The car park at Wood was next to the abode of rather a lot of bees and walking up to the car at one point on Saturday afternoon to see a massive swarm was rather enchanting. The sound as well. It was a magnificent experience. Anywho, more soon.

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BAND OF BADGERS PRESENTS...SOMETHING FOR THE WEEKEND

Well, well, well! Do a Band of Badgers Presents Bitesize, I thought. Hhmmmmm! This doesn't seem very bitesizey does it? Unless you like to break your fast with several three-course meals, a 12 multipack of hoola hoops, three litres of coke and a six-pack of Stella Artois.  I don't know what happens. Actually, I do of course. More and more top music keeps falling right in front of me and I just have to pack in as much as I possibly can. I have mountains of reviews backing up for the lovely folk at Prescription PR. Fear not, there will be a post collecting a few of these together very shortly. Plus loads more from them that just MUST be shared. You guys all need to know what's going on, with whom and where at. And there is some top talent about that is all coming your way, I can tell you.

In addition, there's loads I'm being sent ad hoc. Ooooh, I do like this wording, ad hoc. Not exactly ad hoc but this morning the second album from UK americana/roots/alternative folk band The Epstein drifted down on to the door mat. It probably fell, I know - but the music contained therein is so spinetinglingly glorious I rather like imagining it floating itself all the way to me. On its own cloud. People seem to be going on and on about this 'Cloud' in relation to computers and IT. You must get Cloud storage because.....*Zzzzzzzzz* Well, have this - Cloud Parcel Express. Back to the album, Murmurations has been so worth the wait. It is a gem. It is pure musical gold. It is brilliant! There will be words to follow as part of a review and the album is released at the end of the month. After seeing them in 2011 I am uber-excited about getting to see them at this year's Truck Festival. Enjoy this video for Calling Out Your Name and make sure you grab yourself the album upon its release.

FORGET BANANARAMA, I'LL HAVE SOME OF THIS AMERICANARAMA PLEASE!

I still yearn in desperation for any potential sponsors or employers who would see fit to fly me all over the world to cover some truly fantastic music events, festivals and gigs for a variety of international bands and artists. A dream that is still a fair distance away. In deep space. Far beyond the final frontier and most likely stuck inside a White Hole. Yes a White Hole. Please see Red Dwarf for details.Series IV episode 4. Geek points to me there. I'm rambling. *slap*

Photo by ZeroStudio Photography

The point I'm trying to get at is: I stumbled across a Facebook update from US band My Morning Jacket a few days ago about their appearance at some forthcoming music events collectively titled Americanarama. Naturally, being a child of the 80's and a UK citizen my first thought - for which you can all line up and hit me very hard later - was Bananarama. Reading on to discover what this was in fact all about made me require a paramedic.

Photo by John Shearer

As part of this traveling festival the main headliners will be, My Morning Jacket, Wilco and Bob Dylan. Forgive me while I just pass out again. Oh, that's right. I won't be getting to any of the dates thanks to that bitch of an ocean called Atlantic. How inconsiderate of the sea to settle itself just there! Perhaps it is for the best because I don't think I'd be able to ever come down from the clouds after an evening of such a superb and legendary line-up. I would just die. But safe in the knowledge of......well, I think everything else ever, would be erased from my mind. An experience so amazing would burn itself deep into my soul and I would need to book my place in some asylum beforehand. WOW! Just WOW! A musical triumvirate to rival any other. Any US music fans who can get to one of these shows but chooses not to - I will send my cat to do bad things to you. I mean, who on this earth would purposely choose to miss out on this! You can read a bit more via this link to Rolling Stone magazine >>here<<.

Enough of my rambleage for the moment. Let's crack on with some great new music to share with y'all!

ONE CHANCE TO JOIN 

THE SLOW READERS CLUB

Well, not exactly. You are all welcome all and any time.This is just a quickie from these guys. Oooer (naughty). The guys have been (still are I'm sure) back in the studio which is exciting my ears at the prospect of more new tunes to come from them. They are one of my top bands from last year but just because it is now 2013 doesn't mean they have moved down on that list. The Slow Readers Club are EPIC, to use some modern youth lingo. The Manchester boys are offering up the song One Chance as a FREE download via their Reverbnation page. Get on it people! Top music from a top band here! http://www.theslowreadersclub.co.uk/

Promote your mixtape at ReverbNation.com

MELINDA ORTNER IS 

MUCH MORE THAN JUST OK

LA songstress Melinda Ortner has got to be one of the most hard working solo singer-songwriters out there at the moment. I first came across her magnificent blend of perfect pop when I was asked to review the EP, Strangers, she released last September. I quote myself from that review, '..this body of work is a perfect precursor to what should prove to be a sensational debut album...' In all honesty I was wrong. I Wanna Be OK moves way beyond just sensational! The 4 tracks from Strangers were just a cheeky little tease of what lay behind the scenes in Melinda's repetoir. I have no doubt even with this 'packed to the hilt with talent' debut album, she is still keeping much more behind ready for future releases. There's no way this can end here because it is just too good. It is so electrifying you will be shocked! Melinda will make your hair stand on end in the 'OH MY, this is fooookin AMAZING!' kind of way.

From opening track Wait Another Day to its neighbour and title track I Wanna Be Ok, Melinda demonstrates early on how she's capable of mixing up her sound to make it fresh. I Wanna Be Ok is a real heavily atmospheric tune. A few tracks on with the likes of Another Chance and The Beauty In Me, the generic pop is reined in somewhat. The former adopts a more gentle sound while the latter contains some wonderful pop-rock elements. This one is a bit of a belter! Sweet Little Lies you can sample here in its complete majestic beauty. Let it leave you with an unquenchable thirst for more that sees you click, click, clicking and buying the whole thing. Trust me, that will be the smart move! The album comes to a contemplative and more gentle close with the rather beautiful Maybe. Her vocals aren't exactly hiding themselves throughout the whole record but with Maybe, Melinda really goes for it, exercising a mountainous range combined with a subtle sassiness to woo and entice you in closer. 

Overall this is pure pop perfection! It has everything. Banging tunes with hook-laden melodies and excellent lyrics you can sing along to in no time. Melinda possesses real depth in the huge array of sounds she takes, adopts, manipulates and works with to produce something brilliant. Then those vocals. I keep saying it but this is REAL pop. REAL quality electro-fuelled brilliance. I've been unfortunate enough to be subjected to BBC Radio 1 this week, complete with its vapid rubbish it calls pop. What these mainstream stations need is music like Melinda's here. This has a true soul behind it, not just some executive's empty cash!

Pop as a genre gets a bad press. I have to admit I haven't done much in the past to rectify this but not because I don't believe there is hope for it, in terms of quality music. Doing this job and finding new music, being sent music and reviewing it, I have discovered types and sub-genres of genres I would probably never have given the light of day otherwise. For that I am truly grateful. I can't imagine not having Melinda's record as part of my collection now. This kind of original work is the real future of pop music. Make way all you vapid vacuous excuses for popstars and X-Factor fodder because it is only a matter of time before the likes of Melinda Ortner bring the battle to the very forefront of the industry. I'm not a betting man but I've already made my wager. Ortner is going to wipe the floor with the lot of them! https://www.facebook.com/melindaortnermusic

Come on, I can't hear those clicks. Get clicking on these links here and own your own digital copy of I Wanna Be Ok:

via iTunes >>here<<

  via Amazon >>here<<

via Spotify >>here<<

These are UK links but just a few clicks more will direct you to the sites relevant to your home country. It's all about the clicking these days. Fastest finger first, as the game show hosts used to say in the 80's. Oh, let's not go back to the 80's. Not again. That Bananarama flashback was just too much already! Quick, click and get top music from today!

FIREFLYS MOUNT 

OPERATION CHART ATTACK

On Monday 29th April, this awesome indie band from up north (Runcorn, not quite beyond The Wall) began their bid for chart stardom. Unlike Simon Coward..erm..I mean Cowell...they want not the glory or riches of beating others to a pulp to get to that 'easy' Christmas Number One. Instead, their intention has substance, just like their music, another thing missing from most of what litters the charts nowadays. The mission is simple: To show the music industry that quality indie music is alive and kicking, and a band-led campaign to get in the charts the good old fashioned way can work. 

There's also a further inspiring incentive. While I'm telling you about this I recommend you click along to iTunes >>here<< or Amazon >>here<< and get downloading Julianne for just 79p or 69p. If the single hits the top 40 and you got your download via iTunes, then on Monday you will receive a full download of the band's forthcoming album Embers Of The Autumn. This isn't due out for another three months either! Bonus! It is a super, smashing record as well. You can take that from me who has listened to it a number of times already. My review will follow in a post or two's time so do keep posted for that.

Julianne is currently at NUMBER 1 in the Amazon Hot New Releases chart so let's keep it there, and get it (to quote M People) MOVING ON UP to break into the UK Top 40 this weekend! It is a cracking tune. Please help us and The Fireflys restore faith to the indie music market. Let this be the stone that starts an avalanche and brings with it a tsunami of REAL music back into the mainstream. Real music from real musicians. Plus you get that awesome full album too! Go get, folks! And also, while you're at it just have a wee listen to the latest brand new song the band have recently started streaming via their Soundcloud page. Hummingbird is yet further proof of the excellence Embers Of The Autumn bears. https://www.facebook.com/thefireflysband

AIDAN LOGAN IS TELLING EVERYONE

One of my regulars, so to speak. Indeed, if this blog were actually a bar it would of course be a place where musicians would be welcomed and beckoned to keep my patrons entertained. Aidan would be one such chap I would want performing on a regular basis. Would be cool to grab a pint or several too, of course. Enough with my waffleage!

Monday 29th April saw Aidan share his new single, Tell Me via his Soundcloud page. This will be the first song released from his debut album and is available for streaming. Take a listen to it above. It is cracking! Listen twice, three times. Love it and show your appreciation by sharing the heck out of it, if you'd be so kind. Aidan has done a work of pure wonder in getting this finished. The tune has ended up with such a marvelous big sound. I am salivating at the prospect of hearing the full set of tunes on the album. Excitement cannot be contained, so please do excuse me if you hear any squeeing coming from the Northampton area of the Midlands. It will be loud and it won't cease until album release day! In the meantime, you can drown out my excited squeeing by streaming Tell Me loudly on repeat until it is itself released on 14th May. Then you must buy it, and continue to spread the word for Mr Logan. https://www.facebook.com/aidanloganmusic

AIRMAIL DELIVERY 

BY PAPER AEROPLANES

Just hearing the first 10 seconds of Little Letters cements a clear understanding of just why Welsh duo Paper Aeroplanes are receiving some impressive support from radio maestros like BBC6 Music's Lauren Laverne and Tom Robinson, Jen & Ally at Radio 1 as well as BBC London, Q Radio, Janice Long and Bob Harris.

Since coming together in 2009, Sarah Howells and Richard Llewellyn have been out on a seemingly endless tour. Having scaled the length and breadth of the UK I bet they would prove very useful in a Geography quiz. Last year alone they played more than a hundred dates; selling out venues as they went and performing sets at a number of prominent music festivals. Their emotionally charged music hasn't only been exciting the ears of radio folk but has also garnered them some IMPRESSIVE fans in the media world. The Guardian describes their music as, 'Intimate, jaunty and confident low-key pop with great melody..' Sarah's vocals invoke such a wide range of emotions out of you, you will be feeling giddy by the end of the album. The first listen won't be nearly enough though so you may as well ready that repeat button right now! If it sticks, no bother. This is one record you will want to hear again and again.

Their influences are diverse, from Laura Veirs to Bjork via Jeff Buckley and Gillian Welch through to Everything But The Girl and Lucinda Williams. Little Letters is their third album release but the first with Navigator Records. There's also a fuller band feel to the production on this record compared with their previous two. This only serves to bolster up the ambient atmosphere they create so effortlessly. The album is released on May 13th so you don't have to wait too long. Contained therein are 11 little letters full of life and ready to move you someplace better than you were prior to listening. It's always remarkable when music can achieve this.

They are playing a string of dates throughout May, so make sure you get along as and where you can. What's hugely exciting for me is I shall be getting to see these guys play live in a matter of just a couple of weeks. They are on the line up at the wonderful Wood Festival (see my preview >>here<<). After all the touring they've been doing I can sense their live display will be one not to miss. This is going to be something super special so don't miss out if you can get yourself to one of the below dates! http://www.paperaeroplanesmusic.com/

Effortlessly executed folk pop, Paper Aeroplanes are a band in complete control of their talent.
Clashmusic.com

May 11th - Queen's Hall - Narbeth                May 12th - Voodoo Lounge - Edinburgh

May 13th - Arts School - Glasgow                      May 15th - Komedia 2 - Brighton

May 16th - Junction 2 - Cambridge                   May 17th - Deaf Institute - Manchester

May 19th - Glee Club - Birmingham                      May 21st - Colston 2 - Bristol

May 22nd - Bush Hall - London                     May 23rd - Glee Club - Nottingham

May 24th - Brudenell Club - Leeds                               May 25th - Jericho - Oxford

May 26th - Glee Club - Cardiff                           May 28th - Milton Keynes - The Stables

THIS RIVER RUNS THROUGH 

JJ GREY & MOFRO

What a record! This is absolutely sublime! As I'm short on time at the moment and really want to write up more about this hugely talented and legendary US singer-songwriter and the sensational album he's about to release, I'm afraid I'm only going to tease you here. Given how superb it is, this is a very cheeky little tickle of a tease as well. I make no apologies. And I'll be doubly teasy by sharing two things. First off, you MUST follow this link to Proper Music Distribution's Soundcloud page >>here<< for a listen to Somebody Else, a track from the album which is currently streaming.

This River threatens to burst its banks and flood all in its path, it is swelled with 'vibrant characters and compelling stories set to Stax-worthy soul, greasy Southern rock and funk, and glorious ballads that stay with you long after the last notes fade..' There's a real nice mix here but sshhhhhh! I will save more until I feature the album proper.

Grey's seventh album and first studio record since 2010's acclaimed Georgia Warhorse. The New York Times writes about Grey's singing as 'impassioned' and the band as playing, 'riff-based Southern rock, cold blooded swamp funk and sly Memphis soul.' Whereas The Sunday Times describes him as 'one of the real voices of America'. Having recently appeared at SXSW in Austin, Texas (was there anyone not at that huge prestigious event, by the way? I even have a Facebook friend from school who attended - I think I need to be there and cover it next year, thank you please) Grey is soon to embark upon a massive cross-country tour of his homeland before heading over for a European leg which include a mixture of major UK festival appearances (including the heavy wooly mammoth that is Glastonbury). It's then back on over to the US for loads more dates through August, including many a US festival to boot. Busy busy busy. So many top new tunes to take out on that long dusty road, though. http://www.jjgrey.com

LET'S GET BRIEF...SERIOUSLY, AGAIN ROB??

Yes, apologies yet again. It seems I cannot remain serious enough to desist from mentioning briefs when using this title. I am on the phone to my therapist right now. As I type. Taking medication now. As I type. No more brief talk but let's get on with it. 1, 2, 3.....GO!

BOAT TO ROW ARE ROWING BACK OUT

Those rowing boaters (erm, I didn't think that name through at all did I? It's a good job I don't have to name a band myself, be thankful....I think what I mean to say are those boat rowers but the moment has gone now) are resting their oars and heading out on the road with a band called Hot Feet. In addition to this there are a number of other gigs you should be noting down. Come on folks, I need to hear clicks and pens scribbling down dates in diaries. What's that? No one uses pens anymore? Well more clicks then please, as you input it into your electronic organisers or tablets, or smartphones, or whatever. Just get buying tickets and you'll enjoy an evening of top quality live music from this indie-folk juggernaut! Keep up to date with all the gig announcements and tour information at their Facebook page >>here<<.

Indeed, (this seems to be my new word of the moment, as opposed to 'anyway' which I say on the podcast half a million times each episode) for all you lucky Birminghamers (Birminghamonians doesn't really have the right feel to it) there's the Boat To Row and Friends bank holiday event on Sunday 26th May at the O2 Academy. A bit like Thomas The Tank Engine and Friends but with music, and boats instead of trains (no actual boats, at least I believe there are no actual boats). Joining the band for this event will be Hot Feet, Charlotte Carpenter, Chris Tye, Lucy Anne Sale/Sonomama and Rhys David Morris. Tickets are just £5 in advance. Just 5 little pounds for all this AMAZING live music. You are mad if you don't take up this opportunity. Click >>here<< and get yours now! I can't hear that clicking! I know where you live. I shall send round my cat and she is not to be messed with.

While you're in the clicking zone you need to check out and buy some fabulous music from the brilliant Hot Feet below. I'm really looking forward to the 1st June gig. In my actual town too. That doesn't happen often enough.

You should also read this interview the wonderful folks at For Folk's Sake featured after talking to Michael and Ben from Boat To Row, about the making of the last EP Loyal Light. Click >>here<<.

AND THE ABOVE IS BRIEF IS IT ROB??

Okay apologies, both for not being brief when I'm instructing you I'm going to be brief. And then double, triple and quadruple apologies for having to be super brief regards the below. I cannot hold off sharing this music for longer though. I will return to each of the below in posts over the next few weeks to add my own little (yeah right) ramble about them.

BE STILL, THEY'RE ONLY SHADOWS

For a b-side, this is one tunetastic song. You see, I shouldn't be allowed to write too briefly or I use words like tunetastic. This is an awesome tune from an amazing indie rock band. From the Midlands too so they are one of mine. Let the promotion commence. More from Only Shadows VERY SOON! https://www.facebook.com/onlyshadowsuk

DAVE MCPHERSON 

HEADS OUT ON THE ROAD

InMe frontman Dave McPherson is setting out on a solo tour within days, so I thought I better include this super news on this post. I do have a review underway of his excellent new forthcoming album Dreamoirs, so keep your eyes peeled for that one to come in a blog post soon. It is a top album but then I wasn't expecting anything less to be fair. The new record offers 'the complete and sublime intellectual capacity of this gifted and hard working songwriter'.

The album dropped through the door a couple of weeks ago now and while I haven't written the full review yet, I will admit it has been hard to not keep playing it over and over. The vocals are stunning, the lyrics are inspiring and contemplative, the music spot on. It is wonderful stuff! See what you think via the video for Kingdom.

From the Press Release: It was in 2007 when Dave first  started strapping on his acoustic guitar, hopping on trains around the country and couch surfing his way into the ears of listeners who were eager to see a true live artist do his thing. The use of the word true here shouldn't be ambiguous. It is used to describe a performer with a soulful and technically gifted voice, an intricate and passionate style of guitar playing, and one who uses these skills to great effect on an abundance of self-penned material.

This sums up his style nicely. I shall be writing my own words on Dave and Dreamoirs VERY SOON. http://dave-mcpherson.co.uk/

COLTON & ZARA BRING FORTH DAYLIGHT

It's over to Kansas for this one. One of those 'just in' specials that happens to catch my attention on Twitter as I'm writing up a post. Thanks to Colton and Zara for sending me the link. Enjoy this official cover of Maroon 5's Daylight. I'm loving it and can't wait to check out more of their music to share with y'all. http://www.coltonandzara.com

TOM MOON NEEDS TO STAY DOING THIS

WOW. There's always at least ONE that really pushes every single button. One that takes my breath away so fast I need an oxygen tank. Tom Moon is that particular one for this post. It is a crime I cannot feature more or write lots at this stage. Soon though. Expect lots more from Tom. Just AMAZING! http://www.tommoon.co.uk/

DANIEL PEARSON'S MASQUERADE

Not only does it feel like a crime to not be able to write more words, but to not share performances as phenomenal as this little gem from Daniel Pearson would command the severest of punishments. Enjoy. This guy is easily one of our best singer-songwriter musicians. Share, share, share. Buy, buy, buy. Click, click, click. Let me hear that clicking. I only want to not hear clicking if I can hear you listening to Daniel's brilliant music. Thank you please. http://danielpearson.net/

HOLD YOUR BREATH FOR RICHIE ASHWIN

This video really did take my breath away. It's a cliche phrase I use much more than I should but sometimes it really hits the nail right on the head. There's another one. Richie's vocals here are piercing. He demonstrates such a gentle vulnerability while remaining in complete control. The ambient blues guitar that opens it up sets the tone just right. This is a beautiful song all the way through. Hold Your Breath indeed because the quality doesn't end with that. About 2 and half minutes in, Richie moves things to a whole other level with a splendidly rapturous rap. His production credentials shine as bright as the summer sun with how perfect the track has been produced. This is a huge star of the future R & B scene here. His talent lies further than just that though, so no pigeon-holing please. Hear more at Richie's Soundcloud page >>here<<.

This is impressive stuff! Pleas share it on. https://www.facebook.com/1richie.ashwin

HELEN & THE SIRENS 

GET DOWN DOWN DOWN

This is tasty and delicious alternative pop music from this all-female 6-piece band. If you ever wonder what music would sound like when classical meets band, then look no further because this is it! Between them they have played at Koko, Proud, Roundhouse Studios, 12 Bar, Barfly, The Great Escape Festival, SXSW Texas, Latitude and supported Mumford & Sons, My Brightest Diamond, Ladyhawke and Alessi's Ark to name but a few. I've had this band on the radar for a wee while so apologies I'm only getting to feature them here in brief, for the moment. Expect more to come. http://helenandthesirens.com/blog/

LAURENCE FOX IS 

HOLDING THE PATTERN

He is indeed and he's doing rather well at it. After the superb EP Sorry For My Words comes this latest tune. This is another one only 'just in' as I saw him tweet about Holding Pattern this morning. Had to share it! Absolutely love it! Naturally, more to come from Laurence in due course. I shall bring all the latest news and updates I can. I seriously need to be getting to a gig soon so I'm hoping there may be some announced shortly. There was word of May 28th from the good man himself but he later admitted in his own true style, this was incorrect. Whatever the date, I will be hoping to descend upon wherever it is. Excellent new tune from a talented fox! https://www.facebook.com/LaurenceFoxMusic

**UPDATE** There's now also a hard copy CD of Laurence's excellent EP, Sorry For My Words. Own it now for £5.99 by clicking on this link >>here<<.

ARCANE ROOTS GO DEEP INDEED

For some proper quality hard rock music that's new and fresh and about to explode onto the airwaves (well, via your CD and MP3 players more precisely) in a not unlike thermonuclear fashion, make sure you DO NOT MISS this stream of alternative rock band Arcane Roots' debut album Blood & Chemistry (OUT MAY 6th). Click >>here<< to hear the record in all its glory but I warn you. Wear protective head gear. Not for any bad reason but this is hardcore and it is fucking AWESOME. Expletive wholly necessary as well! Banging! I am now counting down the seconds to their set at Truck Festival.

This is a band to watch out for because in my opinion they thrash a lot of the more well-established bands into a million pieces with this debut! http://www.arcaneroots.co.uk/

AND SOMETHING JUST FOR FUN

Let's end proceedings on a very light note. Have you ever sat there wondering after watching the Lord Of The Rings trilogy for a thousand days, what would Gandalf The Grey sound like if he were to burst into not song, as much as a rap? Well now you need wait no longer for it has surfaced on the wonderous Tube of You. This does come with a warning though, as it features a parody of Justin Bieber. There can be only one Lord Of The Bling. Let him come forth:

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