BAND OF BADGERS PRESENTS MORE BITESIZED MUSIC

Picture taken from the band's official Facebook page

It is just non stop madness right now. Who am I kidding, it has been that way since as far back as I can remember trying to juggle all the things I am doing. Still going strong though so here's some more. As always I have so much on my list - no I mean lists. You should see the collage of post-it notes on my laptop desktop. Then there are physical post-it notes with scribbles and lists on all over the place too. If we had those fridge magnet letters you can get (they were a source of fun in my student house years ago) I dare say there would be notes about music even there. Ever-expanding lists getting longer and longer. It's almost like a nightmare of lists but the music is all so incredibly awesome it could never be a nightmare. Again, there are some top new albums being put out by some of my more established favourites I'd like to cover but there just isn't enough time in the day. Most recently, 30 Seconds To Mars have released their latest record and I haven't even had chance to take a first listen yet so I couldn't even say hit or miss or maybe or yey or need another listen. I'll try and get on that soon.

Picture taken from the band's official Facebook page

Exciting me like I'm Charlie having just won the most coveted prize of all time in Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory, complete with those little orange and green fellows the Oompa Loompas (who can serenade me all day long with their wise little Oompa Loompa melodies) is the prospect of new Kings Of Leon material. Not only this but every time I hear one of their previous classics on the radio lately I'm instantly reminded I'm actually going to be seeing them live in Birmingham next month. NEXT MONTH! As in roughly 4 or 5 weeks people! If only you could see how high up this makes me float. I've seen some recent footage on YouTube and the new stuff is sounding good. I know these guys got a bit of stick when they just had to stop and take some time out but jeez guys, lets cut them some slack. It doesn't matter how much money they end up commanding and thus earning from their music they are only human and the kind of extensive touring and recording schedule they were working to makes me collapse from exhaustion just reading about it. Even after going for a run this evening. They seem to have gone away, had that much needed R&R time they requested and are now ready to return fully rested and fresh to make us fans quiver at their brilliance. Here's to the 10th July!! I may just faint like one of those screaming girls you see at the front of One Direction concerts. Yuk - I had to go and ruin it and mention something like that atrocity didn't I? Or as my five year old niece refers to them One Directions. Fear not, I am on the mission of vastly improving her music tastes!

Anywho, as time is so precious I will cease immediately with the waffleage and crack on sharing. It's not like I don't have a million other posts on the go right now! Wood Festival review is coming folks, I promise. 

fiN **NEW VIDEO**

Certainly no strangers to this blog, the thoroughly hardworking and deserving, truly one of, if not the, most independent indie bands there is out there at the moment, fiN! This is a brand new video for the song The Truth Lies In Honesty, taken from their superb debut album Life Is Wasted On The Living.

As described too, everything you see and hear has been completely 100% done, performed and produced by the members that make up fiN. Even the releasing they do themselves. You see why these are indie to the core. On their website they mention the fun they had making the video and this shines through like a beacon from deep space! http://www.lifeiswastedontheliving.com/

LET'S GET LOCAL AND PARTY IN PARIS

Forget Paris for a wee moment (although I do love the name of this band), this 4-piece alternative indie rock band certainly know how to put Northampton on the map. Hailing from the town where I live, their sound is smack you in the face fantastic! You know the kind of way I mean. You hear a band play and they sound so tight and accomplished - so ready to rock the roof off any venue they're at, you kind of get smacked in the face but absolutely love it. It ends up being a huge talking point. Party In Paris manage to do this. Admittedly I'm yet to see them live but I'm fully prepared and will ensure I do ASAP!

Just have a listen to their big banging single Distraction. You will get well and truly distracted but only from anything and everything else you were thinking you might do while having that listen. The music via this song will hook you in and probably not even release you by its end. Presence! That's what I'd say these guys have and I'm gutted I missed their gig last Friday as it would have been an awesome opportunity to catch them and to hear more tunes from the album in a glorious live setting. 

They have been working hard recording and finishing off their debut album Desolate which is coming out on JULY 29th so not too much longer to wait. The great news is you can even pre-order a copy and receive it the day before its release by clicking >>here<<. For just £8 too! Bargain! Desolate will also be available via all the usual digital platforms too of course. The single Distraction is available NOW via iTunes >>here<<. You know the drill by now - let me hear those clicks as you get that single and pre-order what promises to be one of the indie albums of the summer! Do have a watch of the band's Video Diary too because they are rather funny (YouTube channel is >>here<<). And what a remarkable b-side they have for Distraction with The Replacement, above. The full single including both these songs is available from their online store >>here<<. https://www.facebook.com/PartyInParisband

THREADS

Stay right where you are. For me that means right here in my (current) home town for another amazing indie rock band from Northampton, Threads. These guys supported Party In Paris at that gig I missed on Friday. Seriously, me missing these gigs is not good. I need shooting. But then I won't be able to go to the gigs as they roll in the future as I'll be recovering in some hospital. Possibly with missing parts. Let's get back to the awesome music and I will be catching Threads live at what for me is an old student haunt, The Pennywhistle. Oh the memories. I will no doubt feel as ancient as a crone but I do not care because music this awesome needs supporting and when it's local I'm getting right on board that bus.

This 4-piece group are off on the road for a mini tour next month with Essex-based pop punk band Forever After who I will follow up in another post shortly. The bands will be taking in Harlow, East London, Birmingham, Colchester as well as that date in Northampton. So please, any of you folks in or near these areas please get down and support them. Like Party In Paris, Threads have a real accomplishment to their sound but it is something rather different to those guys. They compliment each other of course but naturally it is only a great thing they each sound so distinct.

Picture from the band's Facebook credit: Matt Taylor Photography

I was hugely impressed when checking out their stuff and went so far as to pay for their superb EP Surgery, available via bandcamp and for you to check out above. It is a name your price deal so of course you can get it absolutely FREE. This blog and my podcast is all on that fantastic FREE music BUT please if you can spare a quid or two or even more then please do. Then Threads can continue making more marvelous music for you and venture out even further afield to woo you in the flesh. If you want a physical copy of the EP you can get one from the band's online store >>here<<. http://www.wearethreads.co.uk/

FOREVER AFTER

Well, it would be rude of me to mention another band and not feature at least a song or video or something to showcase their music to you. Here's Game Over to whet your appetite.

I will still be following this up with more from Forever After in due course! https://www.facebook.com/foreverafteruk

LEW BEAR HEADS 

DOWN BY THE RIVERSIDE

I grieve that my lack of time prevents me including a proper write up review of this truly stunning album, Down By The Riverside from Lew Bear (aka Lewis Robinson). Once again we need not travel afar for great independent, heartfelt music. Isn't Echoes Of The Past just so stunning? It is one heck of a magnificent song. Off the page amazing! I really love Merry Tom too. Heck, there's so much to love about the whole thing.

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Please take a listen to these couple of superb tracks featured on the album and get clicking crazy as you pre-order it from >>here<<. The music, arrangements and style of this record isn't all that makes it unique. Oh no. It was also fully recorded live and outside in nature. Various backgrounds and ambiances were featured, including birdsong, running water and wind. There has been no overdubs or effects added afterwards. It really makes for such a wonderfully atmospheric layered sound. Naturally layered though, as opposed to in a studio as is the typical way.

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I can only apologise my review isn't up and ready yet but I can assure you I have many more words of praise to share with you about Down By The Riverside. And soon! The album is released on 16th June so don't miss out! Click >>here<< to pre-order NOW! http://www.lewbear.co.uk

FUCHSIA's GIRL FROM KANDAHAR

Yes, you older readers have read this name correctly. 70s progressive folk legends Fuchsia are soon to release their first album in 40 years. I know. That is a mighty huge gap between records but you know what, who cares? Progressive folk music is well and truly back on the scene and rightly so. The young ones such as the likes of Syd Arthur are doing some pretty amazing and mind-bending stuff but there's always room for some of the originals to step back up to the mark and show the world they still have what it takes. Not only to bring back a fresh piece of that psychedelic decade so you can smell the herbs in the air, but also to show they have something original to offer multiple generations and 21st century music fans.

If Girl From Kandahar is a shape of the forthcoming album then we are in for one heck of a tasty banquet. From Psychedelia...To A Distant Place is released on 17th June and has already been delighting the ears of reviewers from the national press. Please click >>here<< to have a listen to Girl From Kandahar via Soundcloud. 

Talking of the track, band leader Tony Durrant said;

“I wandered past a news agents and something caught my eye in the window, a photo of a girl. But something about the photo, something I could not quite process, drew my attention to it. Something not quite right. As I got closer I noticed the 'Time Magazine' header, and then I suddenly drew back, as I saw what had caught my attention. It was this beautiful dark haired Afghani girl, who stared out proudly, but there was something strange about her, something I could not put my finger on. I moved closer to the shop window. Then I realised in shock what was wrong... where her nose should have been was a dark crater, a hole, a shadow . She was this poor girl who had defied what parental and tribal convention had decreed, much to the chagrin of her parents. And that was where the Taliban stepped in, slashing off her nose and her ears as a warning to others.

So there it was. The girl from Kandahar. What must life be like for a young girl like that? Where do you go? Who to talk to? What possesses people to do this sort of thing? And so the song tells the story of the innocent girl trapped in a system where there seems little hope of escape. How thin is this veneer of humanity and we all shy at the horrors of what people are capable of..”

...shades of Robyn Hitchcock, latter day Lilac Time and pastoral-Psych Floyd.. Uncut

Returning with dignity and verve, Durant's created a worthy follow-up to his age-old gem.. Record Collector

JAMES YOUNGER
BACK FOR ANOTHER MONDAY MORNING

I covered this excellent tune Monday Morning from James Younger a few posts ago and now James is back with a unique video for the track.

It is unique because of its originality. Deliberately lo-fi, it features a nice little visual tribute to XTC's Making Plans for Nigel at the end. James has his album Feelin American due out soon. This record is a collection of songs influenced by classic US bands and artists such as The Strokes, The White Stripes and The Cars. https://www.facebook.com/jamesyoungermusic

TIME FOR THE BRIEFS

I have to do it almost EVERY TIME don't I? Sorry. So....yea.....there's always just way too much so I can't but share some things with much less waffleage. Enjoy!

TRUE APOTHECARY - LOW ON GAS BUT THERE'S FUEL IN THEIR MUSIC

These guys followed me first on Twitter, I believe and checking out their tunes I was mesmerized and captivated. Check out their wonderfully titled EP I'm Low On Gas And You Need A Jacket below and be sure to grab your copy. There are FREE downloads available peoples of the blogosphere. 

Picture taken from the band's Facebook page

If doing so via bandcamp this is a name your price deal, like with the Threads offer earlier. If you really dig this music (and if you don't I want to know the reason why because it is quality), and you can afford to part with a couple of little £'s or $'s or whatever your currency is converted from based on where in this wonderful world you find yourself then please do so. Right, this is supposed to be the brief section I hear you all shouting loudly in my direction. I shall cease rambling now and get on. Lots more from True Apothecary to come on the blog soon. http://www.trueapothecarymusic.com/

SOMEWHERE IN BETWEEN THOSE
NARROW PLAINS

It was via some tweet I stumbled across the beautiful music of Narrow Plains. They remind me of a cross between The Lumineers and Dry The River (well, the more acoustic side of them) after a fashion, to name just two. And I mean this as the biggest kind of compliment to them and their music. I never feel like they offer up an amalgamation of those bands' music though of course. Narrow Plains are original and play some pretty damn impressive tunes!

Just this sample of three tracks from their recent EP Somewhere In Between will get you exstatically excited and working on finding your way somewhere in between to demand plenty more music from them. You can get the EP via iTunes >>here<<. You'd do well to keep your eyes and ears on this stunning 3-piece acoustic folk rock trio. They are currently unsigned which is a crime. I don't foresee this being the case for too much longer, that's for sure. Needless to say (but I'm typing it), much more from these guys in the future. http://narrowplains.com/

SEAN GRANT

Returning back to Northampton for more tip top local talent with singer-songwriter Sean Grant. One word for the moment - IMPRESSIVE. HUGELY IMPRESSIVE to be fair. Okay, that is indeed two words. I can count. So great I'm struggling to know if I should share the video or the soundcloud. And so to hopefully assist with more listens for Sean I'm sharing both. Not that music this amazing needs my help. Support is what it is all about though and that is my thing.

The soundcloud track is We The Working Class, a song about Sean's grandfather. It is a rather beautiful and poignant life story piece. Real music about real people. I know musicians write about these things all the time but there are some who really connect with a listener in a more fundamental kind of way. Sean Grant is one of these from what I've heard so far.

The video is for Hoist The Sails and serves to demonstrate even more so how Sean has that really special something. I just know this will translate tenfold or more when he performs live. I best get on top of my schedule then and make sure I get to a local gig soon! http://seangrant.co.uk/

LEVELLERS - THE BOATMAN

It's always difficult to choose a favourite song from a band's music. This is even more so for one of my very first ultimate top favorite bands of all-time! This is a coveted position the Levellers have held for me ever since I was first introduced to the mood-altering epic nature of folk rock masterpiece Levelling The Land.  The Boatman is just such a song too.

For the first time since 2005 I was unable to get my ass to one of their gigs last year although I certainly made up for it in the years before. One year I clocked up about five Levellers shows. This video was taken as they appeared at Bearded Theory Festival last month. Their own festival Beautiful Days sold out last week too, as it does each and every year. I am so glad I made sure I got my tickets early. Counting down the days. http://www.levellers.co.uk/

I REALLY MUST GET BRIEF NOW...

Yes, even now there is still more music I MUST share. No waffle as no time but I'll revisit these over the next few months.

THE EPSTEIN **Live Video**

I will be revisiting this awesome alternative indie folk band sooner rather than later as I have their stunning new album to review. It is breathtaking to be quite honest and I cannot wait to share my words about it up here on the blog. Check out this wonderful LIVE VIDEO of the band as they were featured on Radio 1 in The Netherlands. It is a treat. http://www.theepstein.com/

WHITEMOOR ON THE HORIZONS 

**NEW ALBUM**

I have my copy and I will get a review up. I am drowning in new albums to review but I've said many a time before, I quite like this state of affairs. I'll be sure to get some words up soon as I can but in the meantime please do check it out and get yourself a copy.

It is available via iTunes >>here<<. Or visit the band's website at http://www.whitemoor.co.uk/ for more ways to bag it including the beautiful snazzy hard copy CD.

ROB JOHNSON IS ONT' SOFA
For the Ont' Sofa Gibson Sessions with the instrumental tune Eve. WOW!

BEN GRANT 

MAKING THE MOST OF THINGS

This one literally just in as Ben Grant shared this track on his Soundcloud via Twitter this afternoon. It is superb! Wish I had time to write more about it here but in time, I will do. In the meantime enjoy and check out more of his stuff please.

Well, that is it then for the moment folks. Apologies for having to rush the ending and leave right now but I have Star Trek Into Darkness to go see. I know, I know, I am about 6 weeks late or something but I'm a busy fella. Loads more coming at ya in the next few weeks. I'm doing my best but there's so much. Lots of reviews to come as I keep saying but they are coming. And also a second cloudcast via Mixcloud, finally. It is the TV Tunes special I mentioned a while back and I am really excited about it as there are some really great songs from bands and artists on the playlist. It will be longer than the usual podcast hour though, so be warned. Anywho, must dash. Peace to you all!

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BAND OF BADGERS PRESENTS #6

                              

CLICK >>HERE<< FOR A DIRECT DOWNLOAD OF EPISODE 6

You can subscribe via iTunes by clicking >>here<<

BAND OF BADGERS PRESENTS FEATURES ON ACOUSTIC SPECTRUM EVERY THURSDAY EVENING AT 19:00 (BST). CLICK >>HERE<<.

Howdy all. Herein lies podcast number six. Not quite sure why I welcome you all in this way given the title says it all (as does your ability to count) but ah, well. I may as well continue the way I started. Besides, I like to give you a warm welcome and express my gratitude for taking the time to stop by. I am fully aware how precious free time can be and I'm also fully aware about how much I can ramble on, at times. I studied Philosophy, so that should say all there is to about that. Rambling can be good. Depends what one rambles on about of course. I really should relegate my rambles to the end of the post shouldn't I? That way you're not faced with it at the start. That is if you haven't just skimmed it briefly, moving swiftly on to the playlist and other music news below. I certainly don't blame you to be fair but check out my exciting new musical promotion proposal. 

While at Truck Festival a couple of weeks ago (I know, I know, where's the review? I honestly wish it hadn't taken so long and I'm not moaning (okay I may be moaning about the lack of time issue again but well, it is an issue after all. Perhaps cloning myself would assist in some way. Two (or more) of me to speed things along a bit)), seeing all the luxurious campervans in attendance made me think, wouldn't it be groovy (the youth still say groovy, right?) if I had one myself and was able to go on a grand musical adventure visiting as many UK music festivals as I could next year.

Covering the length, breadth and width of the entire UK (including Northern Ireland, if they'll have me) attending one every two or three weeks. What a mission it could be. Perhaps helping raise money for charity along the way as well as assist in promoting for whoever would be generous and kind enough to sponsor the whole thing. Yes, there is that. I'm still no lottery winner just yet. Writing up the adventure would be an amazing experience too as would all those bands and artists I would get to see. And what about Band of Badgers Presents Live Sessions whereby artists or bands performing at the festivals sing a song or two inside the home on wheels? (or rather by the side as a campervan is not a TARDIS - although who knows maybe one might well be a TARDIS, the camouflage is kind of the point is it not?) Maybe I am just dreaming, especially that last part, or reaching a tad too high but hey, at least I'm reaching somewhere. I can see it now....a band of banjo (and guitar, flute, violin, drums etc...) playing badgers painted on one side of the campervan. Oh, right, yes. I appear to have woken up now.

Part 1 of my Truck review will follow this post quite quickly, by the way. Just in time for Bakewell Music Festival this coming weekend. Bring it on!

Enough of all that for the moment though and on with (cue Echo sound effect) THE PLAYLIST. And you may want to sit back & relax because below, have I got a jam packed blogcast* for you.

*I'm not sure if this word should be patented by Aidan Logan, a singer-songwriter I played on the last podcast. He coined the term in a Tweet and it has kind of stuck. 

The Playlist:

1. This Heart's Built to Break - The Scholars
2. Mad Hatter - Echo & Drake
3. Our Little Empire - Lavers
4. Accordion - Brian Wright
5. To The Sea - Kid Conventional
6. BYOB - Let's Go Safari
7. Coast Fiction - Porthaven
8. Moon - T E Morris
9. Kia's Song - Nate Jones
10. Ghosts - Perry Hood

BAND OF THE MOMENT: >> THE SCHOLARS <<

It would be misleading to claim The Scholars are my only band of the moment (there's just too much music in orbit around me at present) but they are certainly at the top of that list! I think I've mentioned before how I was immediately hooked by their sound after hearing the song I played here, This Heart's Built To Break, for the first time. It is available as a free download and I snapped that up as soon as I was made aware quite some time ago now so make sure you do too by visiting their >>bandcamp<< page.

As I mention in the podcast I've been fortunate enough to be able to hear the five brand spanking new tunes the band have recently recorded and which they will be releasing individually as singles from September onwards. I'll talk and write more about them in the coming months and I honestly cannot wait to be able to play the first new single, Wired (in a few episodes time). Initially the recordings were going to be put out as a 5 track EP but the band decided to take the single route instead. It makes sense as they will be able to focus on promoting each track they end up releasing gathering more press in the process. There will of course be a string of gigs to help promote the first release but dates and venues are all still to be arranged and announced. Naturally I will report what I can whenever I hear it. These guys are a band I would travel wherever I needed to in order to get to a show. Lucky for me, they are only down the road (albeit a long one) in Banbury, Oxfordshire. 

Going from a five to a three piece band they have managed to retain the real core element of the sound they had established so perfectly. In addition though it is clear they have also built on what came before so their musical development is evident. Adrian and Chris actually played an acoustic set in support of Spring Offensive at a free gig in Banbury last Friday 3rd August receiving a good reception. I wish I could have been there although in my defence it was my mum's birthday (Happy Birthday mum) and I was visiting the family to meet my newborn nephew for the first time. You see, my mad scientist cloning idea would prove useful for so many things.

If you haven't done so already then why not check out the excellent 5 track EP, Arrival/Departure, from the band, which was released in 2011. When you've had a listen below and realise how talented and amazing these guys are head to iTunes where if you part with just £3.95 the EP can be all yours. Make sure your ears are paying full attention so you don't miss any gig announcements to come because if you miss them when they're near you, then the SMAs (pronounced Smars..Special Music Agents) will hunt you down and may just torture you for crimes against indie music. Don't say I didn't warn you!

I know I've gone on about interviews before and still not featured any as yet but there is a master plan. Okay, maybe less of a master but there is a plan and I'd like to see the first interview in podcast #10. Hopefully I'll be able to bag one with The Scholars which would be pure awesomeness. 

I ended up forgetting to mention the name of the other music podcast that featured the recent interview with them. I didn't do this on purpose in spite of my little jest about withholding the information until the end of the show. It is called From the ladder factory and I honestly do urge you to check it out if you enjoy your music podcasts. Which as you're here I'm hoping you do.

GET YOUR NEW NEWs HERE!

So many new singles out at present or on their way. And EPs or albums to boot. Although I only played Cosmic Ambulance last time, which is taken from their EP The Street is a Symphony (released in 2011/iTunes 2012) the recent release of Our Little Empire is an opportunity for me to assist further with promoting (in my own small way) this breathtaking Aussie brotherly duo, Lavers. These guys cover an astounding range with their songs drawing comparisons from the likes of Jeff Buckley, Ryan Adams and even The Beatles. These are not just random names casually thrown about, either. Just one listen to the first EP will have you agreeing in some way, shape or form as you marvel at the eclectic mix contained therein. 

Our Little Empire is available to buy right now from either their >>bandcamp<< website or via >>iTunes<<. It is taken from their forthcoming seven track EP, Endless Corridors due for release on 25th August. How awesome is that? With seven tracks you're pretty much getting a near complete full album. You can pre-order it if you'd like to by following the necessary links on the bandcamp page. Check out the video for the single (shot in Japan) below. Do also take a look at the startling stop-motion animation video for Tangled Up In Dreams >>here<<. This was produced to help raise awareness about the issue of avoidable blindness.

Electro/Indie/Pop band, Let's Go Safari are indie in all senses of the word. Signed to the independent record label Red Dragon Records, the four-piece band are set to release their second single, BYOB (Bring Your Own Beer) on 20th August so I'm grateful to them and Red Dragon Records for allowing me to play it here ahead of that release. They are just starting off on their musical journey together but BYOB sounds like they've been at it for so much longer. It is a proper catchy summer tune that will have you bopping about and wanting beer for sure. 

The force of singer-songwriting power that is Kid Conventional is playing a gig at the O2 Academy in Birmingham on 24th October supporting Tom Forbes. With tickets at just £6 in advance you are clinically insane if you live in or nearby the area and do not go along to support this amazing talent! Tickets can be purchased >>here<<. He will also be playing ArtsFest in September but more about that in due course.

T E Morris is unique. Unique and so prolific I'm surprised he manages to fit in any sleep. Or anything other than making inspirational, moving and top quality music. With EP after EP and the album, We Were Animals released earlier this year there is yet another full album, And You Were The Hunter, due out on August 27th. I swear Tom has single-handedly redefined the word, prolific. It's like he's written a thesis on it by way of his relentless output. There is no sign of his work tiring either with the quality just getting crisper.

Now, I haven't yet said it this time but Perry Hood's 4 track EP, Ropes, blew me clean away. Okay, perhaps I mentioned being blown away after having a quick listen to an album I'd been sent to review. Seriously though, whereas I needed to catch a flight back to listen to the remainder of that album, Perry's sincere and experienced sounding songs blew me even further - out into deep space. Here is a guy who's lyrics and voice are just so engaging. Please visit his Facebook page and hit the 'like' button. Let's get his numbers on the increase like he deserves. Then pop to his >>bandcamp<< page and offer a decent price (although at 'name your price' it is a bargain opportunity) to buy your own digital download of Ropes.

As I've mentioned so many others from this particular show it would be a heinous crime to leave out the passionate indie acoustic US singer-songwriter, Nate Jones. I am WOWed by a lot of the music coming my way these days but there are always those that push it so much further beyond even WOW. I still can't help but be shocked, at times. Hearing Nate sing his own personal and intelligent original songs I was quite near drowned by the sheer intensity of the passion he packs within them, and with his performances. This is a guy destined for big things, I believe! He is so young to have such an accomplished sound as well but I'm certainly not complaining. Make sure you get to his >>Facebook page<< or alternatively his >>Reverbnation page<< where you can listen to the perfection he demonstrates with the likes of Autumn Road (or click play below) and Hello Catastrophe. Nate is also a fan of the US writer Jack Kerouac, as am I, and with how poetic he comes across this does influence his music I think, even if not directly. More from Nate in the future, you can count on it!

LUKE JACKSON'S DEBUT ALBUM OUT 13/08

I'm a really big fan of the acoustic indie roots singer-songwriter Luke Jackson who's song White Lies I played on the very podcast. I'm yet to play another but in the next show I'm going to revisit a number of previously featured bands and artists, Luke will definitely be one of those returning. What better way to celebrate the release of his first full length album More Than Boys, due out on 13th August. I've been following his music for quite a while now and I can't believe how quick the time has passed since he was first talking about the possibility of recording this with the assistance of Martyn Joseph. To say I'm excited about this album would be understatement of the century. Luke is working hard to assist Tom Morris in redefining the word prolific as he continues to gig all over the place, uploading many a video to his websites while being at college and working a part time job. What is the secret? If it's a secret magic word like in SuperTed then I'll be sure to ask him. Oh yes, I have booked tickets to a gig he is headlining for Rugby Roots at the Merchant Inn on Monday 8th October. Tickets can be purchased >>here<<. 

Another singer-songwriter I played on the first podcast, I will be writing much more about Andrew Page next time as well but I could not pass up the opportunity to include the below video of him covering the Tom Petty song Free Fallin' because you just HAVE to hear and see him perform. Magical. Sublime. Outstanding. I'm yet to see him myself but that situation needs to be remedied and quick!

And then there's the awesome Aidan Logan who played a gig at the Oh Yeah Music Centre in Belfast just yesterday. This video is of his own song Tell Me, which he has been tweeking a bit for recording but here it is in its original form. I'll be playing this song on the next podcast.

A Game of Chess with Pawns or Kings. 

As you may or may not know I do frequent the Twitter-verse a fair bit which is one chief way I pick up so much new music. Last Friday night I received a tweet from this US-based folk band asking for my opinion on their music. This is just the latest in a number of bands who have asked for my opinion. I am just so grateful my opinion is sought after. Citing they sounded a bit like Mumford and Sons I knew I'd like what I came across but OMG (if I may be allowed to abbreviate)!! If you could really fall in love with music then this would be it for me. Instantly, like love at first sight. Okay, the love references might start getting a little weird or inappropriate but believe me what Pawns or Kings provide is something I needed, even if I didn't realise it was missing.

Having listened to the songs from their album, Letters to Lucy I can understand where the Mumford and Sons comparisons arise. However, make no mistake these guys are no mere mimics. They have produced some masterpieces that sound like a perfect mix of folk infused americana. I don't have space here to elaborate much at present but you can expect Pawns or Kings to feature in a post all by themselves at some point soon. I've included one song you MUST listen to. Come to Pass has the added sound of the penny-whistle and I'm not afraid to admit it gave me goosebumps.

It just so happens the guys are self-confessed Tolkien geeks, just like me. Wow, cool musicians like what I like (see also Nate Jones being a fan of Kerouac). There is some Philosophical logic that would deduce (I think, it's been a while) I too must be cool. I like this kind of logic.

Tom Smith - In brief.

Let me make it very clear, Tom Smith is worthy of much more than this brief mention will manage to convey. Perhaps I should have waited until next time when I have more time and space but then you would have had to wait far too long to be bought to this Irish singer-songwriter's exquisite, atmospheric music. Citing influences such as Johnny Cash, John Lennon and Cathy Davey, I must admit you can really hear tones of James Vincent McMorrow in this song Moon Bird. That said, as with all those I feature just because they have influences or they sound like another particular band or artist, it doesn't make them imitators. With Moon Bird, Tom proves he has just what it takes to make his own mark on the music world with a song brimming with his own unique talent. You can (and you should) purchase the single from his bandcamp website by clicking on the artwork below. As with Perry Hood above, it is another 'name your price' deal so you really want to be snapping up these bargains before these gifted folk enter the music stratosphere. Although being such down to earth, lovely people I have no doubt they will still be offering fantastic value for your money with their future releases.

Tom also has a Soundcloud page and I've included the song Runaways below too. To me this encapsulates a very Dylan-esque kind of sound. I've only heard a few songs but this is a chap I am really looking forward to hearing more from. I will of course be playing a tune in a future show so stay tuned (well, not tuned I guess, but you know what I mean).

And Finally...

I believe I need to wrap this one up pretty sharpish given how long I've been waffling on. There's just so much to say (write) and report about. So much I enjoy sharing. 

I'm really looking forward to Bakewell Music Festival this weekend. I'll be doing a review and will endeavour to get it completed and up as soon as possible after my return. I'm excited about seeing what this small idyllic festival has to offer. Excited too at getting to see Saturday headliners Gypsy Fire before Seth Lakeman. Second time this year for Seth, always a huge joy.

To play out the show. Oh, I see. Alrighty then, to sign off the blog post accompanying the show (or the blogcast) I have two bright sparkling gems. You may need to cover your eyes they shine so bright. Simon Friend of The Levellers has his own side project called Seismic Survey. I believe they only toured for the first time last year, possibly the year before. Frankly, I'm shocked I haven't got myself to a gig yet because as much as I love all things Levellers, I do have a fondness for Simon's songs such as Boatman, Battle of the Beanfield, Believers, Angel, Elation....the list goes on but a delicious performance of the latter is below.

Also just before you go (I know the hour is late, but think not of your tired morning state, this tune I know you'll rate, so click on play let's not debate!) this is the most recent tune from Laurence Fox. Enjoy!

As ever, a humungous mountain-sized load of thanks from me for your time and attention. I hope you've enjoyed #6 and can take something away with you. As mentioned above, next time will see me playing a set of songs from previously featured bands and artists so I hope you'll come back for that one. Until next time, peace to you all and in the words of Essnemma Caulfied, Stay Gay! Go >>here<< to see what I'm on about.

Also, thanks to Mark Blasco at podcastthemes for the intro theme tune. 


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Levelling the Land One More Time

So, I have actually made it to a third entry. I’d originally planned to write up this review (review is perhaps not the exact word to describe the rambling) of 2011 gigs as one entry but due to my incessant rambling it is only fair on your poor eyes and time constraints that I break it up somewhat. My own time constraints aside....Oh yes that's right.... Valerie (the banjo playing badger) has just reminded me that with my time machine I shouldn't have any kind of time constraints at all. Thank you Valerie. I can always trust him to stick his snout in. I don't recall asking for his opinion on the matter. I can hear the banjo now, which can mean only one thing - he has some song of wisdom to sing at me. Speaking of wisdom I’ve got to have one of my wisdom teeth out in a few weeks. What, may I ask, is the point in us still having these teeth when the majority of adults have to have them removed due to the issues they cause?

Valerie will disagree but I smell conspiracy at work here. All of these wisdom teeth being extracted. All that wisdom gathering together and plotting the downfall of humanity or some such....What's that?......I suppose you're right there. Valerie just said that humanity needs no help from inanimate teeth.....Nice tune.....I do so enjoy the sound of a banjo, a banjo being played by a badger even more so. It is, as you can imagine somewhat unique.

Where was I? Oh yes, wisdom teeth. They're gathering on mass somewhere out in the wilderness until their numbers are great enough for them to connect together forming as to like a huge figure tall and terrible. Imagine it!! A twenty foot tall monster made out of all the wisdom teeth removed over the last hundred years or so. Several (or more) of such wisdom teeth monsters all chattering towards you. They would have some pretty nasty looking teeth wouldn't they? And don’t even get me started on the five mile radius bubble of halitosis wafting out in all directions. Right, enough!! After that vivid dream where I was being chased by zombies last night without the aid of cheese or any zombie related media I don't think it’s wise to conjure up the image of an army of wisdom teeth monsters this close to bedtime.

The BBC missed out on that one during their brainstorming sessions for old 60's Doctor Who. Think of the money they'd have saved on the props/costumes they ended up using for their alien designs. All they would have required would have been some glue to stick all the teeth together. *Note to self....next time I'm in the early 60's stop by the BBC Doctor Who writing/production team and offer my services*

Anywho, let's get back to sanity (in theory) and crack on with the review before that apocalypse kicks off.


2.) Next up was one of my ultimate favourites The Levellers on their tour celebrating the 20th anniversary of the album Levelling the Land. This was the first Levellers album I was introduced to (as it is for many lifelong fans I expect) in 1997 so it was a real treat to see the band perform it in its entirety for the first time. 

I make an effort to see this band at least once each year (four times in 2010, twice in 2011 and now if I can get my time machine working I plan to nip back to 1992 & 1994 for those early Glastonbury appearances of theirs where the Boatman became the Spaceman) so I think I've seen them play each song from the album over the years. Their legions of loyal fans all come together at each gig like one mass blob of drool that's formed from many lesser blobs. All end up jumping up and down as if we're in an 80's pogo stick competition in some playground in Hackney (It's true (or maybe it isn’t). This moshing is in rhythm to the joyous guitar, banjo, fiddle and vocal sounds, ingredients which combine to make one tasty meal for our ears.

Standing at the bar waiting for a pint of beer I hear a loud drumbeat thud above the din of chatter cutting through the thick heavy fog of anticipation and excitement. The beat thuds again gathering momentum as it picks up the haunting sound of the harmonica. Sirens and horns! It sounds like sirens and horns all from one blow which then latches on to the violin's lament. The fidgety crowd are off immediately. That first drumbeat is enough to engage them. The chatter ceases as they take their places amidst the collective of the blob. All are now one with the band on stage. Needless to say the beer is forgotten as I rush to merge with the collective. Resistance is futile. One will be and is assimilated. I merge and become one with the moshing blob just in time for the vocals to kick in.

This is an iconic album with a clear message that still resonates loudly twenty years on (perhaps even more so in this post post modern era with added double dip recession*). Many will argue the album made and defined the band. I wouldn't agree completely as their first offering A Weapon Called the Word had many similar themed songs. It is true Levelling the Land fermented the overall sound of the band and the phenomenal success of it propelled them into the stratosphere of the music world. That said, they've always been shunned by the popular music media, something that never phases them and for which we as fans are more grateful than not. It has meant we keep our bunch of Levellers as they always were - owing their successes to their hard work, their loyal fans and the more savoury kind of people in the music business.

There really is only One Way of Life and all our friends in all their jobs, it's all a bloody waste. The words conjure visions of the rat race the majority of us find ourselves in just to survive. Mind numbing jobs just to pay the bills and feed our faces. The Game of life continues to play out while the girl from Fifteen Years ago has packed and gone away. I stand here looking across mountains and the valleys deep where I would take my weary feet and if I really could choose the life I pleased then there's little doubt I’d be a Boatman. Now, if only I could afford that barge. Alas, I like most others am not a freeman as there's one too many, two too many holes are getting bigger in the garden wall. If I'm not careful they're going to get to me, to take my Liberty meaning I'm likely to end up so Far From Home with no means of return. 

Whenever I listen to the Levellers, whichever album it might be and wherever I happen to be at the time I do feel like I belong to some ancient race. Yes I like to walk in ancient places (most recently the ruins of Rome and Pompeii) cause these are things that I can understand. The song Sell Out should be used to introduce every party political broadcast during elections or broadcast alongside them as an alternative. 'Your policies have failed the test of time, cause you sold them down the river - o.' So very true.

Another Man's Cause brings a lump to my throat each time I hear it. The message is clear and not aimed at the service personnel but at those in power who make these terrible, seemingly endless and (in most cases) pointless (not including their thirst for oil and/or dominance) wars.

This is a band that has been with me through everything in my adult life. A band whose music I can always rely on to entice the smile back to my face when I'm feeling down so by the end of even one song I'll be itching to jump about like a loon. They continue to provide me with inspiration helping to nurture my creative side, something I am eternally grateful for.

As with ALL of their gigs I've attended over the years this was more like an evening in the company of friends. A sweaty beer filled evening, admittedly but one of complete enjoyment. At the end of each gig I always find myself saying, ‘Bring on the next…’ I’ve seen them in a number of places around the country yet never in my original hometown of Birmingham.

Who knows where I’ll see them next (probably at least at their own Beautiful Days festival) but with a new album due soon I’m looking forward to it.

*at the time of writing it has only been forecast the UK may be heading into that dreaded double dip recession so if it doesn't actually happen this asterisk thing means you can't sue me for incorrect information and all that bollocks. A double dip recession sounds a bit like a new rollercoaster to me (and not metaphorically so).

To follow: Tom Mcrae with String Quartet.