THE SPIRAL AWARDS 2013 - WHO WINS? YOU DECIDE!

Howdy folks. While I'm working away hard at part 2 of my 2012 overview/review, I thought I'd take a break to write up a wee little post about the The Spiral Awards 2013. Mostly because it is one big public vote. Well, many public votes I suppose as all categories are open for fans of the artists and bands and of the online magazine to vote as they please. And just about anyone else who cares to pass by and vote I suppose.

Now, compiling my own list of favourites has proven difficult enough so I can fully sympathize with the guys and gals at Spiral as they have put together these nominations. It's totally understandable why they now want to let the public decide on the ultimate winners. Being nominated, however is a win in itself and with it brings exposure and promotion of a kind. As is to be expected, competition is fierce. I don't wish to command you who to vote for but I am going to share with you my own choices for a few of the categories. Please feel free to follow me with some or all but most importantly vote for who you believe deserves to win based on your experiences of them. There are some categories where I'm a fan of several nominees and others where I may only know the one. I don't think there's anything wrong with voting for the one you know and like either, by the way. I come to music via so many different ways and this will be just another. I will likely look up and listen to a number of the other nominees in categories I'm voting. So whereas they may not get my vote this time round, they may well get my listenership.

Public voting closes at noon 14th March so you do have plenty of time to check out the nominees before voting if you'd like to learn more about each. Please do contribute as being chosen by the public and fans will of course mean a lot to these talented folk.

Static on the Airwaves Levellers

The Ornate Lie Kim Edgar

Contraband Kirsty Mcgee

Skulk Jim Moray

Anyone who's kept up with the blog over the past year will know how much of a Levellers fan I am. So, it will come as little surprise I'm voting for Static On The Airwaves for Best Album. Following 2008's magnificent Letters From The Underground was always going to be difficult. With Static, I think the band have managed to do so with something that harks back to a lot of early days kind of stuff. With their added experience and it is far from any simple rehash of that older work, of course. It just has some wicked fiddle on most of the tracks and some wonderful hook-laden choruses that you really can't help but get your feet moving along to. When it is hard to pick standout songs because all are so good you know a band has done its job well. If pushed, I'd have to single out We Are All Gunmen, Truth Is, After The Hurricane and Mutiny but as you can tell I'm in danger of listing them all.

Orfeo Fay Hield and the Hurricane Party

Northumbrian Voices Kathryn Tickell

The Seas Are Deep Josienne Clarke & Ben Walker

Another Day Another Story James Findlay

I saw James Findlay perform when he was supporting Kathryn Roberts & Sean Lakeman last February. While I admit I am more a fan of the more contemporary folk stuff, including the reworked and updated traditional songs, James really impressed me. So much so I bought two of his albums at the gig on the night. I loved how he spontaneously warmed up his voice with a song acapella before warming up the crowd with a host of traditional tunes.

In Time Alister Atkin

The Wild Wild Berry Stephanie Hladowski & C. Joynes

Vice of the People Albion Band

Blight & Blossom Blair Dunlop

 
Now this category presents the first issue. I'm coming down on the side of Blair Dunlop because his debut Blight & Blossom is the album I've heard most. I'm afraid I didn't have time enough to get into Vice Of The People by The Albion Band. This of course is the next generation of The Albion Band and what a damn fine generation it is. Including Blair Dunlop himself, together with Katriona Gilmore and a number of other hugely talented young folk musicians. So why am I not choosing their album then? If I had have been able to hear it more than I have, I may well have chosen it but sadly time, as is always the way, conspires against me. It is a great album though and I highly recommend it.

Blair's Blight & Blossom is also fantastic, which is why I'm selecting that one as my winner in this category. I was supposed to go see him play in Milton Keynes but sadly it was during the Great Manflu attack of 2012. That pesky virus lingered on for weeks and weeks and I was coughing so much I didn't want to ruin it for other folk. Next time, Blair, I shall be there!

Kathryn Roberts & Sean Lakeman

Phillip Henry & Hannah Martin

Gilmore & Roberts

O'Hooley & Tidow

On my latest podcast (#12) I expressed how much of a difficult time this category would give me when mentioning two acts in particular, going head to head for the Best Duo at the BBC2 Radio 2 Folk Awards this year. To now be faced with just such a decision for these awards means this post is now a day later than I'd planned. Seriously, how does one possibly choose one over the other when both acts mean quite a fair bit to me? This is the very case whereby it needs to be possible to vote for two. I feel queasy having to actually make a firmer decision. I came to Kathryn Roberts & Sean Lakeman thanks to randomly buying their second album at the first Seth Lakeman gig I attended a few years back (I'd already got all of Seth's at this point). I absolutely loved it! Rule & Bant from that album is one of my favourite songs (and was played on podcast #12). Their long-awaited return as a duo on the music circuit was cemented in the summer with the release of their third album, Hidden People. I reviewed it >>here<< and have seen them live three times now. As the shows I'd seen before the latest album proved, they are a world class musical pairing who have perhaps been underrated due to their absence from centre stage for a number of years.

I bet there's no sibling rivalry in real life (these folk are just too lovely) as Kathryn's brother Jamie makes up the Roberts component of Gilmore & Roberts. Katriona Gilmore is every bit as humble and personable as Kathryn, as she talks the audience through stories about the songs they played at the gig I went to in October. They had been on my radar already but as you will be aware I get so much music these days sometimes I miss out on amazing things. I count these guys amongst those amazing things! I am just grateful that as a part of doing all this music stuff I was asked if I wanted to review their latest album The Innocent Left. Is a cat one of the laziest domestic animals in existence? So I snapped that one up and my review can be read >>here<<. It is partly me reviewing the album as to why I didn't get a write up about the gig shortly after that evening of magical entertainment. I have however written up a review of it for part 2 of the overview/review.

So....yes....I can ramble on as much as I'd like but I still have to choose who I'm voting for don't I? Right! Well.....do I have to choose? You see why I sometimes have issues selecting the individual songs for the podcast. Okay then. I have to do it. I'm going to go for Gilmore & Roberts! I'm saying nothing further on the matter. I feel bad enough as it is. Not for choosing Gilmore & Roberts because they so deserve to win with their wonderful combination (both live & recorded) but I sincerely love Kathryn & Sean's work. I would be useless on an award committee wouldn't I?



 

Because Of You Nicky Swann

Cosmonaut Nick Cave ft. Emmylou Harris

The Ballad Of Andy Jacobs Kathryn Roberts & Sean Lakeman

Young Man In America Anais Mitchell

I can go some way to redeeming myself and feeling less upset at not being able to select Kathryn & Sean for the Best Duo category as well by voting for Kathryn's heartbreaking and thoroughly moving original song, The Ballad of Andy Jacobs. It's one of those where just a few presses down on the piano keys is enough to make you well up. It is striking in the imagery she paints for you with both music and words so that you really get inside Andy's life and feel for what things must have been like for these folk during those times. You can smell the coal and the burning as that fire takes hold towards the end. This is one remarkable achievement and needs to be recognized accordingly. It better win at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards too, as it is nominated in the same category there.

Nick Burbridge

Anais Mitchell

Ewan McLennan

Karine Polwart

This is another category that threatened to prove a tough choosing challenge. Ewan McLennan has written some really great stuff that I enjoy. Karine Polwart released her most recent album last year too, proving she has a remarkable songwriting talent. At the risk of over-promoting my own reviews and stuff (I'm going to anyway), I did review Traces >>here<<. It is one stunning album of songs! Even so, the winner hands down for me cannot but be the master storyteller, poet, songwriter, musician and all-round talented Mr Nick Burbridge!

Given his hugely busy schedule thanks to just how many different diverse and wonderful projects he works on, he's not exactly had chance to get out on the road in support of his most recent music collaboration with Tim Cotterell. Gathered was released earlier last year and in my last blog post I described why it was one of my top favourite albums of 2012. Anything from Nick stands out so far ahead of pretty much anything else. Its scope, its quality, its production and most importantly (and the reason he gets my vote as Best Songwriter, without any doubt) the structure and content of the songwriting is just unparalleled! I stand by what I wrote at the end of my bit on Gathered in that last post, 'Nick Burbridge is one of the UK's, even the world's, greatest artistic talents!' Make sure you vote for his efforts and if you've never heard much of his stuff before then get yourself to http://www.burbridgearts.org/ where you will find so much greatness you will be back to vote for him before too long. You can check out Gathered below and then please submit your vote.

Beautiful Days

Sark Folk Festival

Maverick

Cambridge Folk Festival

Again, regular readers and/or listeners will understand why I'm voting for Beautiful Days for the Festival Award. I've been several times myself and it was with great sadness I was unable to make it last year. It is one huge family who all come together to celebrate good independent music and something that feels on the right side of freedom. With any luck I'll be able to get in this year thanks to all the writing I'm doing and so cover some/all of the festival. That is much harder than it sounds to be honest as I found when writing up about last year's Truck Festival. It was an incredible amount of fun though and something I would absolutely without a shadow of a doubt, want to repeat this year. Perhaps I'll hit the jackpot and get to cover Cambridge Folk Festival, Truck Festival and Beautiful Days. That would make one magical mountainous musical summer. Bring it on please!!

Here's the link again for you to submit your own votes: http://www.spiralearth.co.uk/spiralawards2013/

While on the subject of festivals and to bring this wee little (little?? well for me, it is) post to a close I want to share the exciting news that tickets for this year's Truck Festival will be going on sale from 7pm on Monday 4th February. This will start with the final batch of very limited early bird tickets held at 2012 prices. Set reminders or alarms! Make notes with those little magnetic words you have on your fridges (perhaps just the students on that one - I miss those to be fair). Stick up post it notes above the loo and in the shower. Just make sure you get your tickets for one amazing weekend!

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BAND OF BADGERS PRESENTS SOMETHING ELSE...#1

BAND OF BADGERS PRESENTS...SOMETHING ELSE #1 by Rob Powell on Mixcloud

Welcome good listeners to a somewhat different type of playlist from Band of Badgers Presents. This will be the first of very many, I hope. It is my way of being able to share those more established bands and artists spanning genres and stretching as far back as the 1960s. There will be some epic anthems, some cool classics and I dare say many a guilty pleasure besides.

It is thanks to the genius of Mixcloud I am able to do this at all because their website and whole business allows people like myself to share their mixes of whatever music without breaching any copyright. These shows won't be downloadable like the podcast is, nor will they be available via iTunes but fear not - I am continuing with the regular podcast too.

These cloudcasts will run alongside the podcasts, being released on an alternate kind of pattern. The ideas for these just keep flowing so I have many themed episodes in production (that always sounds so technical and like this is all so my job - I wish!). There's a TV themed one where I'll be playing songs and music featured in many of my favourite TV shows across the years. Some of these shows, US ones in particular, have featured (and some continue to do so) such a great mix of quality music. I'm thinking more along the lines of the indie rock in Buffy The Vampire Slayer, Smallville and Charmed, but that is just for starters. There's also a PR/Review one on the cards where I'd love to play some songs from many of the albums and EPs I've been sent to review. All the fantastic and totally FREE music I've been exposed to via Noisetrade as well is worthy of multiple episodes in itself. So, you can see I have a lot of work to get on with. All this in addition to the podcast of more independent new stuff (as well as some older stuff there too). I feel like I could do with a holiday before I start.

I anticipate the blogcasts for these cloudcasts will be on the shorter side but then this is me and I already seem to have kicked it off in true Rob style by waffling on and on. So without further ado let's crack on with that all important playlist shall we?

The Playlist:

1. Nightfall - Blind Guardian
2. Rock & Roll Suicide - David Bowie
3. Sara - Bob Dylan
4. Ride On - Christy Moore
5. The Icicle Melts - The Cranberries
6. I Will Follow You Into The Dark - Death Cab For Cutie
7. 3AM - Matchbox 20
8. The Boxer - Mumford & Sons
9. New Ceremony - Dry The River
10. Dauoalogn - Sigur Ros

Blind Guardian

I've mentioned this German power metal band and their phenomenal concept album Nightfall In Middle Earth a few times already as well as my waffle on the show itself. I'll therefore spare you some time and not repeat myself. Get to their website, check out the many videos and tunes on YouTube and get purchasing some albums. They don't come much more epic or anthemic than this! As well as Tolkien's works they have composed and produced tunes based on stories by Stephen King, Robert Jordan, Michael Moorcock and George R R Martin amongst others.

David Bowie

This is Bowie to Bowie, can you hear me out there man? Legend! He's always been there as I recall. Right back to the first time I heard Life On Mars and couldn't stop laughing with my cousin at the line, 'Mickey Mouse has grown up a cow,' to Space Oddity having a very prominent and profound meaning for reasons I really shouldn't divulge but wish I could.

 

Bob Dylan

I've been on the lookout for a copy of Bob's self-penned memoirs for some time now. I was reminded I still hadn't got a copy and was yet to read them when I stumbled upon an article on The Guardian website about how writing that first volume took a lot longer than he thought it would. This was due to him really enjoying the process and getting into it so much. Before the second volume is published I now finally have a copy of the first which I plan to devour as soon as I'm done with Sea of Trees by Robert James Russell (the novella I'm presently reading) and then A Storm of Swords Part 2 by George R R Martin (which I would have started already if the queue at the central post office hadn't been so ridiculously long).

Christy Moore

Looking up the video of the performance of Ride On I believe I saw on Later With Jools Holland in November 2007 I discovered it was actually in 2006. Crazy how quick time flies but yes it was a whole year earlier. Watching it back now takes me right back to then. Kind of like that old woman in Titanic who can smell the sheets from 84 years previous or something. See for yourselves.

 

The Cranberries

I'd already heard the mighty Zombie thanks to owning the double cassette album of Now 29. OMG! Did I just admit that? I owned a Now album! In my defense, it was at a time when there were some pretty decent tunes on it. Not at all like today's drivel of an excuse of 'popular' pop tunes. Anyway, I'd already heard Zombie on there. Taken from the band's second album released in 1994, it wasn't until 1995 I got my own copy of the album. On CD this time too, not cassette. Jeez, cassettes. Can you imagine still having to suffer them these days? Pen and pencils at the ready to wind the escaped tape back in hoping (most often in vain) that the sound quality wouldn't be all garbled. I'm digressing, apologies.

The Cranberries have been with me a long long time. More so No Need To Argue, one of the albums I should have included on my desert island discs type selection when I did that interview for Steven Luna's Joe Vampire Blog. I did mention I'd need a huge TARDIS style trunk full of music though. I could put this particular album on and lap it up from beginning to end. I'll even admit to singing in a very strong Irish accent to many of the songs. I also recall from my student days singing out words that Mrs Doyle from Father Ted may sing to the tune of Empty. 'Cup of teeeeeeheeeee, teeeeeeheeeeee, teeeeeheeee, would you like a cup of tea, father.' Silly I know, but I was a stoodent after all. Very funny though, at the time. What was also ironic is that one summer's day we'd got the back door of our student house open wide and heard someone in a house opposite playing the album at decibels so high, Health and Safety laws of the universe were most certainly being broken. Whoever it was, they were signing along as loudly and as accented as we used to. It kind of made us feel a little less odd, perhaps. Unless it was an auditory hallucination of course.

Death Cab For Cutie

I know I say it about many a song but then there are so many bloody fantastic songs out there worthy of saying it about. I Will Follow You Into The Dark, however is particularly special. I don't think it's just the fact that it is a song I think I can sing and actually sound not too bad in doing so either. It just resonates deep within me. Kind of how The Levellers' (or more particularly Simon Friend's) Believers and Elation both do. 

I only started listening to Death Cab thanks to a suggestion from a fellow student in 2008 (yes I was a student for a very long time!). Getting to see them at a gig in Birmingham just over a year ago was a chance I was not going to miss for anything. I had no doubt they would play this song and the stripped back acoustic from lead Ben Gibbard was simply stunning. That was a cracking show which also bought UK band Butcher The Bar to my attention. If you don't know Death Cab's stuff don't be pigeon-holing them based on this one song either. They have a whole host of bigger, much louder and rockier songs to offer.

Matchbox Twenty

Like The Cranberries, this US band, and the album from which this song is taken in particular, has been with me for many years. I never tire of hearing it from beginning to end and in doing so it brings back so many great and fond memories. That's one of the powerful things about music. Like smells, I guess. For some people. I'd rather have the music. There's a beautiful acoustic piano version of the song which you simply have to hear. I can't say I've been hugely enthused by the most recent album North but I wasn't expecting anything from it anyway. For me, there has been no better Matchbox Twenty album since this masterpiece. Not even Mad Season, which is a good album but just doesn't beat what came before. Yourself Or Someone Like You is a true classic in my opinion.

Every song on that album is awesome, even the very melancholic Hang. The talented Andrew Page has recently recorded his own acoustic cover of this song which is just breathtaking. See and hear for yourselves above.

Mumford and Sons

I was uber-excited about the release of Babel, as were most Mumford fans. I can't help feeling a tad disappointed with the end results however. The first listen was pretty good but for me, there is a repeated plays test. Babel, overall, just doesn't come anywhere close to passing that test. Sigh No More was phenomenal! Babel feels a little lackluster if I'm being totally honest. I hate being so critical. Even more so about a band I really like. Perhaps it will prove to be a grower and I'll end up loving it. If only I had the time to let that be the case but these days it is difficult. My thoughts on this album aside, there are some noteworthy tracks and not least their wonderful cover of Simon and Garfunkel's The Boxer. It actually shocked me as I wasn't expecting it on the album. I hadn't researched or read they were to include it. I bet it's cracking at a live show but that's a sore point of course. As the mainstream masses jump on every ticket the touts aren't able to get in bulk I'm left with the prospect of paying loads for a crap seat or missing out altogether at sold out gigs. 

I've decided to miss out as nothing will beat that free gig at the iTunes Festival in 2010. I need to be that close to the stage though and really feel the presence of them bleeding out. Even though I'm not exactly enjoying Babel at present I would still love to see them play again. I'm beginning to understand this just isn't going to happen unless they play at a smaller festival I'm likely to attend next summer.

Dry The River

I've made it quite clear how incredibly amazing I think these guys are. This year they have been building up a huge fanbase over in the States. This is amazing of course but I don't want them to do less shows over here as a result of it. Still, bands have to go and play where their fans are so I know they'll be back here again. It is my own sad sorry fault for having to miss out on their gig I'd bought tickets to months and months in advance of. I will not be making such a stupid error in future I can tell you.

Dry The River have had one amazing year and with an album as tremendous as Shallow Bed, their popularity is likely to go stratospheric in 2013! Very big things ahead for these guys.

Sigur Ros

What can I say about this Icelandic tour de force of ambient post rock folk? They are another band who have been with me for many a long year now. Over a decade so it's as though they are a part of me in some way. I've never seen them play a show before now but next March a dream will be fulfilled when I get to do just that! There are no words to express my excitement or the elation I will feel when I am standing there listening to them in the same room. I think the entire crowd will disappear though and there I'll stand taking it all in, in complete and utter awe. It is going to be special. The only thing that would make it better is being privileged enough to be one of those who were at one of the many shows they did in Iceland. The results of these shows are available on the DVD Heima which is magnificent to be quite honest. You get a really nice in-depth look at the band too as it is a documentary film rather than just of the shows on their own.

After a hiatus that left some wondering whether they would get back together to release new stuff, Sigur Ros did just that and released Valtari earlier this year. It is on the gentler side but with no less power than what they've done before. I am in love with it! It is certainly one of my albums of the year. I believe I read a few days ago that they are also working on new stuff they want to put out next year (or perhaps the year after). It is alleged to be something completely different but whatever it ends up being, it will be interesting and of the kind of quality they have become renowned for.

GIGGITY GIGGITY GIGS

I have been a bit on the busy side recently, even with The Scholars gig I sadly missed. I am still beating myself up about that one. The guys have just filmed their next video and will be releasing snippets, I believe so keep your eyes open for those. This will be for their next single release Love The Thunder. I will reserve any words of review until nearer the release date but I will say it is a damn good tune to follow the awesome Wired. I'm well aware I've shared Wired with you on several occasions already but you know what? Here it is again because there are some of you who have not yet downloaded your FREE tracks. That's right! They are totally 100% completely and utterly FREE. So, what are you waiting for? Get Wired up NOW.

Tom McRae Solo Tour 2012

He admitted he went out on the road on his lonesome because he wanted to see if he could do it. How could he have doubted himself, I'd say. The man is a musical maestro of the highest caliber. He entertains, he involves his audience and most importantly he connects to them on a really personal and emotional level. He had us bop barring, whistling, clapping and all manner of things to back him up while he used many a trick to increase the presence of his lonesome self on the stage. He even sang a little tribute to Paul Simon's Graceland while singing One Mississippi. There were songs aplenty from his now extensive and ever-growing back catalogue. I would have like a few more songs from the latest album From The Lowlands but in true grateful style Tom responded to a few requests called out to him. This is certainly not a criticism as it was awesome to hear those older tunes as well, of course. And nice that he listens and gives his fans what they want from his show. It was a spectacular evening but I honestly never expected anything less.

Support came from Trevor Moss & Hannah Lou who have been very busy this year preparing and releasing their album La Ferme de Fontenaille. Their harmonies and delivery were flawless in spite of them suffering from this lingering cold that has been going around. You wouldn't have thought this at all from the perfect performances that ensued. I remember seeing Tom back in Birmingham in 2007 when he had a cold and once again you would not have known other than when he spoke in between songs or told us. Trevor & Hannah Lou have since stepped in to support Beth Orton on several dates of her recent UK tour. I saw Beth way back in 2000, or it could have been 1999. It was a long time ago however and I do need slapping for leaving it this long. The recent shows were sold out which doesn't surprise me. I'm happy Trevor and Hannah Lou got to share their delightful harmonic music with more and more people because they really deserve all the success that comes their way. Far from resting after their non-stop busy year they are currently on their very own Up The Club tour of social clubs. They are most certainly worthy of catching, believe me.

The Dreaming Spires Oxford Homecoming Show

I wrote a sort of mini review of this show on the last blogcast so I refer you to that >>here<<, rather than repeat myself here. It was a cracking show and one I'd like to experience again soon! Sadly, I was unable to film any videos myself. It is more so down to where I was standing because I didn't want to obstruct people's view. Too nice perhaps but you know, I can understand why people get annoyed and frustrated when their view is obstructed by someone in front of them holding up a camera for a whole song. I'd have loved to have got some of course but I thoroughly enjoyed just taking in the whole performance. Luckily, the whole gig was being filmed professionally anyway so check out one such video below.

 

Kathryn Roberts & Sean Lakeman

I wrote a full review of the gig I went to in Leicester at the beginning of the year (>>here<<). This was another night of just perfect live music. From the traditional folk songs full of death or sex to the more upbeat reworkings of other classics, it was just perfect. Having seen this duo three times now since catching them at Beautiful Days 2011 they just get better and better. Although to be fair, Kathryn's voice is always note perfect and imbued with such a passionate depth, I'm always left wanting so much more. For this latest tour supporting their latest album Hidden People (released in the summer and reviewed by yours truly >>here<<), there was an addition to the line-up making it more of a trio, I suppose. A very welcome string section sprung up in the right corner (left from stage view) of the stage in the form of Patsy Reid. The extra layers of music courtesy of fiddle, cello and backing vocals built up the atmosphere so that my goosebumps even had goosebumps on their goosebumps. 

Huldra is a very powerful Norwegian folk tale and the female creatures it sings about wrap themselves tightly around you no matter what form or version is played. From the simple yet hypnotic solo I saw at The Musician in February to the multi-layered a cappella  version on the album featuring a number of female folk guests. To the latest, with Patsy adding her vocals and harmonies marrying up beautifully with Kathryn's. As is customary there was plenty of amusing banter between married couple Kathryn and Sean as well as the concluding part to the Flute saga. All songs, old and new were welcomed by an audience at The Stables in Milton Keynes who were mesmerized and transfixed by such star quality live music. This is what it is about folks. All the very best to Kathryn & Sean as they have been nominated for Best Duo at the next BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards. Also, Kathryn has bagged herself a nomination for Best Original Song with The Ballad of Andy Jacobs. Admittedly, it is a touch category (aren't they all) but this heartfelt song will have the tears pouring out of folk there'll be a need for urgent flood warnings. As sad as it is, it captures a period of our history so spot on it is like having a bit of a time travel adventure, albeit a very gentle one. Award-winning it certainly is.

 

Simon Friend's Seismic Survey

I will write up a little more about this gig on a future post. I knew it was going to be a special one but quite how special I wasn't prepared for. What a night!! I've mentioned before that although I am a really huge fan of The Levellers as a whole, I have always felt a certain draw to all of the songs Simon contributes, in particular. He just speaks to my soul so directly, I think. This was my third time at The Musician this year (Willy Mason was the second in May) and it was the first night of the Seismic Survey's current UK tour. It was a privilege to be in attendance and boy, did they deliver the goods.

It was difficult to balance what to film on the camera because I wanted to capture the lot of it. As they opened up the set I heard the tune begin and almost passed out. Believers is one of my favourite songs of all time. It has such a depth and is poetic to the core. I was so excited and hadn't expected it to be the opener so out came the camera and I managed to only miss the very start and first few words. Beautiful. As were all the rest, including the songs from other band members. More on these and the rest of the evening, soon then. To keep you going, check out the videos below.

TTFN

And, well, that's it for the time being I'm afraid folks. As with the regular blogcast for the podcasts there is oh so much more I want to add, write about and share but, well you need to get yourselves to bed before 2am don't you? I'm currently already working on podcast #12 and Something Else #2 as well as writing up that review from the Gilmore & Roberts (themselves up for best duo at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards too) gig from the end of October. I haven't forgotten about that don't you worry. How could I, it was so damn good!! Just the same old excuse of lack of time. I needn't even bother saying as much in future had I? You know the drill by now. I'm also working on a kind of end of year post that will feature a few of my picks from the past 12 or so months. Top albums, best gigs and so forth. There may also be a Christmas song on there but we shall have to see about that. Anywho, I hope you have enjoyed something different to the norm and want me to do it all again. Until next time, peace to y'all!

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BAND OF BADGERS PRESENTS #5

CLICK >> HERE << TO DOWNLOAD EPISODE 5 TO YOUR COMPUTER

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Welcome to the fifth Band of Badgers Presents podcast. I know, I know, it has still seemed to take a good few weeks to get this one completed and out but so many other things seem to be occupying my time. Mostly work of course as one must seemingly waste an entire eight (or more) hours for five consecutive days each week in order to live but such is the way the world works at present, sadly. 

No sponsors have yet come forth following the plea I made in podcast #3. Perhaps my advertisement to be sent over to the US and cover some great gigs over there was a little too much to begin with, frightening off any potential sponsors? Like I mentioned, I'm very flexible so if you can offer me any other type of work along similar lines (producing a music show of some sort, writing about music or helping with promo, for example) then do get in touch because I assure you I'm a very hard worker and will be well worth the money. 

I am kind of semi-serious by the way (don't ask and you don't get so they say (those 'they' make their appearance everywhere don't they?)). Well, completely serious about finally kick-starting something akin to a career and in an area I thoroughly enjoy and can revel in. This is a vital existential component for a happy life, surely? Quite why it has to be so difficult to get to that point I'm unsure. Perhaps that is part of the point? The harder it is to get where you might truly want to be the better things are when you get there (if you get there). If anything, it feels good to finally be at a point where I know what I do want. Okay, enough with the serious work chat for now and on with the show before you all click away on to something else.

Needless to say I am absolutely thrilled beyond comprehension to be able to feature Kathryn Roberts & Sean Lakeman in this episode. After tracking Kathryn down on Facebook (in a non stalkery way I assure you) and sending a message about how much of a fan I've become of their work and mentioning the podcast in the hope I would be able to play something from them, she replied to give permission. A huge thanks to Kathryn and Sean for that. I mentioned the release of their album last time, which comes after a nine year gap. It is not just another folk record either as much as it remains steeped in the genre. It is a beauty so do check out more from them if it is your kind of thing. Having seen them live twice now, trust me, Kathryn's vocal ability is spellbinding. Goosebumps and skin tingling kind of amazing so do yourself a favour and get to a show if you can.

The Playlist:

1. The White Hind - Kathryn Roberts & Sean Lakeman

2. Huldra - Kathryn Roberts & Sean Lakeman

3. Perfect Stranger (Acoustic) - The Last Republic

4. Shanty (Live at Bush Hall) - Luke Ritchie

5. Through You - Lightfire

6. Sex in the City - Eric Unseen

7. Alpha Street West - Butcher the Bar

8. Cosmic Ambulance - Lavers

9. Let Them Know - Aidan Logan

10. You Should Be Feeling This Elliot - Jinnwoo

11. Drop of Rain - Mark Blasco

A huge thanks to Aidan Logan who has allowed me to play the song he wrote and recorded especially for the Pips Project 929. This is a charity very close to Aidan's heart as he has himself lost friends to suicide and Pips was set up by bereaved families in a bid to not only help save lives but to support all those who are immediately affected by this. The project was established in 2003 following the suicides of 13 young people under the age of 18 in North Belfast. I recall there being a similar spate of suicides of young people in Bridgend, South Wales a few years ago but the mainstream news hadn't filtered through the issues being experienced in Belfast. There was little to no support available for the families and bereaved so PIPS was set up, which stands for Public Initiative for the Prevention of Suicide & Self-harm. Visit the website for more information as there is a really strong network that has been built up offering all kinds of support and guidance. You can go and purchase Aidan's song, Let Them Know >> here << with all proceeds going to the charity.

Aidan is a promising up and coming singer-songwriter who I'm looking forward to featuring more of in future podcasts so keep your ears open and waiting. In the meantime you can check out more songs and videos from him via his Facebook page.

Note of Clarification:

I must make an urgent note of clarification before continuing. When introducing Lightfire on the podcast I mentioned Grand Theft Auto featuring on the list of man sports the band are able to compete in for the Lightfire man championship title belt. Of course, I mean the Playstation game and not actual grand theft auto. It may have gone without saying (and thus requiring no mention) but you know, just in case. For those whose brains may not be fully engaged attention-wise. I can however use this opportunity of an extra mention to urge you to get to one of their gigs when they're anywhere near you because you will be entertained! Their next planned gig is on Saturday 4th August as part of Emma Scott Presents at the Slade Rooms in Wolverhampton.

Have you seen Eric Unseen? Well if not and you've only listened to their kick ass tune Sex in the City via the podcast I recommend you check out their latest video for Out On My Feet which kicks ass equally if not even more so than the aforementioned.

Under the Spotlight:

As music continues coming to me via Twitter I was impressed recently by two international outfits. When a German band called Anokato with the tagline, '...music to balance the craziness we witness every day..' and a website called dezombification.org started following me, I felt instinctively somehow that it was going to be something promising. Following the link to the website didn't disappoint where I was faced with the option of receiving their free EP via download by merely agreeing to let them tweet on my behalf that I'd done so. The EP is a taster for the album they are working on, a song from which they release every 10,000 followers. It is an interesting sound marrying vocals that, to me, border on a David Bowie style although it is no mere imitation, I assure you. The music bounces from hard to soft rock with some nice acoustic arrangements. I think the Germans can finally be forgiven for that whole episode whereby they were pretty much the only nation keeping David Hasselhoff in the music business. Don't be too disappointed there are no actual zombies because these are tunes that could easily form the soundtrack to a zombie movie or apocalypse type running for your life situation. Do download and keep them ready. Just in case.

The second one is even more surprising. Saritote are a Japanese rock band who blend many different genres of music including but not exclusively, alternative, ambient and dance. The name itself is an old Japanese word meaning 'nevertheless' and the band formed in 2010 in Osaka. Whatever I was expecting when I clicked on the link to the website and checked out the tunes on their soundcloud page I don't think it was this.

Another artist I stumbled upon via Twitter and who impressed me instantly is Steve Thompson AKA Blabermouth whose album Ramble you can hear via bandcamp >>here<< These are proper throught-provoking tunes. While folk-inspired they're more than simply folk if I may say so. With a mix of styles he seems to marry perfectly and ordering the tracks so you really are carried off on a journey if you just sit back, relax and let them take you. It is impossible to choose a favourite amongst the gems on offer with Ramble. Old Grey London is a beautifully delicate song about the wonder and enchantment the capital used to hold yet how things have changed so much, predominantly for the worse. It reminds me lyrically very much of some of the Bee Gees best lyrical works with a performance reminiscent of Ralph McTell. This leads into the much more upbeat, Amsterdam where Steve sings about the laid-back honesty and genuine nature of that city. This is a singer-songwriter I'm looking forward to learning and hearing more about. 

Editors

I was hoping to have a video of at least one of the songs I recorded at the Editors gig I went to on Wednesday June 27th. It has taken me weeks of lengthy uploading to get just this one of Smokers Outside the Hospital Doors on so far. I don't know if Facebook haven't paid some of their server bills or something (perhaps they spent too much securing their numerous mentions in the current series of True Blood?) but the videos just will not upload. The best quality video I have is of the song Eat Raw Meat but I'm unable to get that one on at present. I would have most likely written a short gig review if I had been able to get them sorted but this will follow in due course.

It was an awesome night to keep it brief with the recent departure of one of the original band members being unnoticeable in the phenomenal performance that resulted. Smith commanded and captivated the audience with his usual style and splendour. They played numerous songs from their previous three albums with a few new additions they've been working on for the fourth one due out next year. With any luck I may be able to get my hands on a demo of the first seven tracks although naturally I won't be able to share anything at this stage. It hasn't come my way yet though but hopefully it will do soon.

While on the subject of checking out a band's new tunes, I am hugely grateful to Chris Gillett, guitarist for the alternative rock band The Scholars, for sending me a link to sample five brand new songs they've recorded. I played the song Turbulence in the third podcast and this band will be one I feature quite often as I am such a fan of their music. Fans are in for a treat with these new offerings, the first of which, Wired, will be released as a free single download sometime in September. The other four are set to follow as they have decided not to release it as a collective EP. I will keep on at them for the album just to satisfy my own selfish need to have it in my collection.

I know I mentioned about doing interviews at some point and while I haven't got any set up just yet I haven't forgotten. Chris from The Scholars has also kindly offered an interview which I'm really thrilled about so as soon as I can get it all sorted I should have at least 3 interviews in the pipeline.

Gigs:

Excellent news about Band of Horses announcing their UK dates for later this year to promote their forthcoming fourth album, Mirage Rock, due for release on 18th September. As I increase my networking I've tried to bag myself a promo copy of the CD (this and Battle Born from The Killers). I'm yet to receive a response but can only wait. Unfortunately I'm unable to get tickets for the gig in Birmingham yet so I'm hoping they don't sell out too quickly. Well, not before the cat has bought in some money. Ha, who am I kidding, she is currently sprawled out asleep on the sofa where she's been for the past three hours.

I did however bag myself tickets for the Tom McRae solo tour. It just isn't an option to miss out on a fix of Tom. I am also really looking forward to seeing Dry The River in Cambridge in October. They are proving themselves to be a force to be reckoned with musically.

Finally, next weekend is of course Truck Festival, which I just cannot wait for. Even with the unfortunate announcement today from Get Cape Wear Cape Fly pulling out due to health issues, the line up is a corker. Get well soon though Jack, I will definitely miss not getting to see you play. I really must sort out who I'm going to see too before it's too late and I'm there in the throes of festival life. Line up clashes are one son of a bitch yet just cannot be helped.

NO TO THE BBC'S ENGLAND PROGRAMME!

The BBC are planning to axe evening programmes on your local BBC Radio stations and replace it with a national talk show. Many great presenters and outlets for local content will be lost and once gone it is unlikely they will ever be reinstated. Please see the below extract from the BBC report:

'On weekday evenings (7pm-10pm) all stations will come together for a new all-England programme, with opt-outs for live sport and local news (as currently provided).

Each local station should commence local broadcasting by 6am (rather than 5am). All stations will broadcast Radio 5 Live from 1am until the start of their breakfast programme.

The locally split breakfast programmes within Devon, Three Counties, Wiltshire and Cambridgeshire will end.'

This is an atrocious way to run the programme of cuts that may very well be required to save money in the face of the current ongoing economic situation everyone finds themselves in. All no doubt so those at the very top can keep their unnecessarily super-inflated salaries with ridiculous pension schemes and even more obnoxious bonuses. How about giving the real workers the bonus of keeping the jobs they do so very well and in turn keeping the opportunities in place for local bands to get featured on their local radio stations.

This is just one step too far so please everyone jump on the band wagon and help say NO to these savage cuts. We demand a rethink of these so-called proposals!

This was bought to my attention by Stephanie Wright of New Music Connection and you can check out more details at the Facebook page >>here<<.

As always thanks to Mark Blasco at podcastthemes for the intro theme tune. 

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