Sofistar Music

Desert Island Albums: Afghan Whigs "Gentlemen"

2012-02-13T00:25:00.002+01:00

This is torture, choosing 10 albums to take on a desert island. But it forces us to look at the crème de la crème in our CD collections. Those albums without fillers that have accompanied us for a long time. Albums that we keep going back to over and over again, like our musical best friends. It's obviously unfair to the more recent music as we have not yet had the time to create a special relationship with those chords, choruses...they're not yet part of our history. But hell... that's life, right?

So the first album I'd take with me on that dreaded desert island is Gentlemen by The Afghan Whigs. As starters, I'd like to stare at pictures of Greg Dulli if I was stuck on an empty island. The Greg Dulli version 1992 more than the 2012 one, mind. No offense Greg, but you were mightily sexy back then.

So Gentlemen, Afghan Whigs's 4th album, released in 1993 after the succes of Congregation and it's anthemic "Miles Iz Dead"
I instantly fell in love with the artwork. I usually hate kids in films, ads, etc... but that picture...waaaw it says a thousand stories.

The still teenager Sophie loved the tortured lyrics from a bad boy with a little boy's heart inside who wants to love but still courts pleasure instead. Oh dear...
To this day this album has meant a lot to me and I like to blame it for my poor taste in men :-D
Yes Greg Dulli, it's all you fault, you hear me?

The album starts with "If I were Going" which sounds like a menu for the 10 tracks to follow, borrowing lyrics from other tracks on the album. it's a grand entrance that does whet the listener's appetite. Perfect opening then

Song number 2 is the title track, a grungy affair in which our hero wants to be understood and screams at the top of his lungs that he is not a bastard. oh no.

Then comes one of my highlights of the album "Be Sweet" - the rhythm slightly slower but with more pathos, the lyrics have time to ferment and reach their full meaning.
The only video I've found is a live recording but well, the Dulli charm sure translates well that way too

"Ladies, let me tell you about myself
I got a dick for a brain
And my brain is gonna sell my ass to you.
Now I'm OK, but in time I'll find I'm stuck
'Cause she wants love, and still want to fuck"

Yeah proper romantic that, but girls will be girls and for some reason some of us find that appealing. Call the doctor please!

Onto track 4: another fabulous moment on the album "Debonair"

another live performance as I can't seem to find any proper recordings - and gosh the 90s haven't seem so far and outdated than today...

"Hear me now and don't forget
I'm not the man my actions would suggest
A Little Boy, I'm tied to you
I fell apart
That's what I always do..."

Can you feel the tortured soul, can you? Don't you want to take him in your arms? huh?

Mid album, comes the slow, that terribly saaaaad song with tears rolling on everybody's cheeks. The moment couples fall apart "When we Two parted" but damn they manage to still make it sound sexy (and sick).

Track 6 et 7: "Fountain & Fairfax and What Jail Is Like" are two very fine poppy grunge tracks in the same vain as the rest of the album, with lyrics and a delivery that clack! in your ears and abdomen
Dulli stays a repentent macho, the guitars are syncopated and the bass vroooms warmly to keep us at arms reach, like a victim happy to stay with its jailor.

Then comes My Curse, one of my favourite piece of music EVER. This track is so f*cking sexy with lots of other emotions attached. I've had many different relationships with that song and its slightly provocative lyrics, its dramatic music and this little je-ne-sais quoi that has always touched me.

Just close your eyes and listen to this little gem:

"And there's blood on my teeth
When I bite my tongue to speak
Zip me down, kiss me there
I can smile now
You won't find out...ever"

The last 3 tracks from the album always kinda pass me by, just like after great love making, you hear them, its good but what was before was so good and so intense that it never really registers.

Since 1993 I must have listened to Gentlemen thousands of times, it's been a good friend giving me bad advice for nearly 20 years.
I saw the Whigs just before the release of the album, in 1992 when they played in a small venue in Leuven. I was a young music fan and after the show Dulli spontaneously came to shake my hand and said "thanks for coming to the show". I was in love. I bought a T-shirt and vowed that Afghan Whigs would be my favourite band forever.

This year they are starting to tour again and I bloody well hope to see them live, hopefully in a venue and if not at a festival.

The grunge sound has aged a bit and the lyrics don't touch me the same way today but I still love that band and that album for being my good friends all these years. So yes, I'll take them with me on a desert island.

Jack White, on his own, without interruption

2012-01-30T21:23:00.000+01:00

Today, Jack White has officially released his first solo single. Titled Love Interruption, its musical landscape borrows more from the Country and Americana tradition than to his usual energy-filled blues-rock. It's even, dare I say it, kinda middle age sounding.
The man is growing up I suppose, which is not necessarily a bad thing, as long as it's gracefully, right?
Make up your own mind:

You can download the track via iTunes, as of now.
The full album, Blunderbuss will hit the stores (digital or not) on April 24th, there is no word yet on a solo tour to support the release.

Time to have a look at some great tracks written by this retro loving king of rock:

The White Stripes:

Ok, I'd better go full exposure here: I LOVED the White Stripes and I don't think any other White-led project has ever captured my musical emotions quite like them.
I have found memories of travelling between London and Brussels with De Stijl or White blood Cells on my discman (yeah I didn't have a iPod in 2000/2001) in the Eurostar terminals and feeling like I was somewhere else with a tiny fire in my belly.

It is in the Brussels train terminal that I completely fell in love with The Union Forever, for some reason it hit the spot and reminded me of the power of the grunge of my teenage years.
"What Would I Like To Have Been? Everything You Hate" rhaaaa talk about teenage angst

Then in 2003, they released Elephant and it was the great Live period. Saw them many times and was always awed by the sheer energy two people can create on a stage. The boy's got charisma

I always think it's a shame 7 Nation Army got so popular in football stadia because it's a fantastic song but it's lost its appeal a bit. Over exposure does that to a song

Raconteurs

The mix of voices between Brendan Benson and White was just great, and the whole cuckoo image of the band worked well. We still had the rootsy rock'n roll feel even if it was probably poppier than anything White had released before.

The Dead Weather

I never really go back to that album, but I love the video and rock clichés of the first single Treat Me Like Your Mother :)

Obviously, his production work has been a lot more mellow and this is why we should not be surprised to se White release a country tinted album in 2012.
His collaboration with Rome, the Danger Mouse & Daniele Lippi project:

Ok I have to stop here or we'll be listening to White music until next week. The guy's only 36 and he's been involved in so many projects, it a wonder he finds time to sleep.
I will leave you with the last conundrum: is White singing backing vocals on Electric 6's hit High Voltage or not?... answers in the comments ^^

Whet my appetite, 2012

2012-01-04T22:40:00.000+01:00

Ok, we're 4 days into 2012 and it already looks like it will a phenomenal musical year... I for one am quite excited.

None more so than a few days ago when I hear the new teaser track from Anja Plaschg, aka Soap & Skin. The moody Austrian songstress is ready to swallow us again into her dark waves of dramatic melancholic tunes, mixing piano and electronic noises. A recipe she will keep on using in Narrow, a new 30-minute mini album that will arrive in our lives on February 14th
Here's the teaser:

Then there is the old bat, Cat Power who's recording a 9th album that should be released later this year. For Xmas she gave us an extended version of The King Rides By, a track that was on her 1996 album What Would The Community Think (My favourite album of hers for its raw emotions)

Talking of bands that have a strong history of releasing excellent albums, step forward Tindersticks, the trio from Nottingham; led by the inimitable voice of Stuart Staples.
The Something Rain will be their 9th output since 1993 and it contains 9 beautifully crafted songs that will please the fans. Medecine is the lead single

A more recent, yet skilled and delicate singer-songwriter to release an album early 2012 is Perfume Genius. Behind this moniker is Seattle based Mike Hadreas. His first album Learnings got the attention of the press and many a music lover. He's ready to seduce us again on February 20th with a new album called Put Your Back N2 It
Check out this somptuous All Waters

Obviously, as I have mentioned it before I can't wait for Feb 6th as it means the great man himself Mark Lanegan will be back with a solo album that simply cannot be bad - what with a title such as Blues Funeral :-D
A track that's been doing the rounds lately is The Gravedigger's Song

Add the new Dirty Three and a new Last Shadow Puppets on top of that list and you understand why I CAAAAAANT WAIIIIIIIIT

What about you? any other album is tickling your fancy?

Sx

let's get dirty again

2011-12-20T22:31:00.001+01:00

Oh my words, how excited was I last week when I saw a tweet from @thequietus announcing that 2012 would see the release of a new Dirty Three album. AMAZING!
This calls for a blogpost but be warned, this is a personal story :)

Back in 1998, I had become friends with chicago musician David Grubbs of Gastr Del Sol fame. David was touring Europe to support his very good solo album The Thicket and we bonded over our love of literature (he has an amazing knowledge) and my passion for Cassavetes films.
If you're not familiar with his work, which I will admit is not always easy listening, here's a digestable Gastr Del Sol track "Season Reverse"

So one day, I got an email from David telling me that his Australian mates would be playing in Belgium and that I was not allowed to miss them because they're fabulous and he had played the piano on some tracks from the new album. Sound dudes! Turns out I had to do press for them on the day of their show as I was looking after the Bella Union Catalogue back then. The band turned out to be Dirty Three and they were opening for PJ Harvey, to support their sublime 4th album 'Ocean Songs'.
The fact that we had a friend in common started a connection and to this day i remember that press day very fondly as one of my favourite throughout my career. And it's always a joy to bump into them at festivals.

Here are Warren Ellis, Jim White and Mick Turner in action at the time. Set up the scene guys, low lights, cuddle up in the sofa and just follow the music...

In March 2000, they put out a mini album that inherited a great title: "Whatever you love, you are"
The opening track is probably my favourite Dirty Three track. I especially love it live, as Warren Ellis compensates the wordless music with stream of consciousness stories he tells the audience between the songs. Oh yeah Dirty three are an immense band live.
"Some summers they drop like flies", I find myself consumed by this song, the narrative, the seduction...it's like being at sea with the cold wind in your hair, it takes me places and I hope it will do the same to you.

In 2005, they released Cinder, an album on which they invited 3 friends to record vocals on their dreamy music. One such friend is Chan Marshall, aka Cat Power. Turner and White have toured extensively as her backing band. Jim White, the best drummer in the world, is still in her Dirty Delta Blues Band today.
The result of that collaboration is Great Waves

So...no new music since Cinder, since 2005 but now in 4 little months we'll have something to look forward to as the boys will be back in town with "Look Towards The Low Sun" and I can barely wait to be transported by this hairy baroque indie!

Before I leave you to your dreams, there's another collaboration that I want to write about, it dates from 2001 and is called In The Fishtank 7 ( Konkurrent's studio sessions). Our 3 troubadours joined forced with my other top band Low for 6 tracks of pure magic.
"I hear Goodnight"

I suggest you go buy their back catalogue, indie bands need you, right? And please go see them live but make sure I still have a ticket ok?

Sweet dreams

A Guide to Heartbreak music part II

2011-12-12T14:23:00.000+01:00

So here we go, Part II of our Guide to heartbreak music, a little SOS kit ready when you need to feel understood in your pain, cuddled in your unhappiness and to help you get back up on your feet

First, you don't need violins to make a good heartbreak song, some electronic bands have even managed to create superb tracks filled of melancholy and regrets...

The most obvious one is by Everything But The Girl back in 1994 when they left their old folky style to venture into more electronic territories. Missing is a sad as a grey rainy day in an industrial town:

More recently, another duo ( Danish this time) have also crafted a perfect anthem for all the masochists amongst us who can't help but play the love martyr game - I blame the period dramas like Pride & Prejudice by the way...
Trentemoller then, on their 2010 album Into The Great Wide Yonder with the mournful voice of Josephine Philip "...Even Though You're With Another Girl"
get your tissues ready, the video is as beautiful as the song:

Alt Country is an other style that has spawned many a sad love song. I have to include Ryan Adams in here, but he has written way too many beautiful tracks to choose one, but fair's fair and I'll go for "Come Pick Me Up" on his first album, the aptly titled Heartbreaker in 2000. It's full of regrets with hints of hope, perfect for a heartbreak. Here's a live version ( you can laugh at his dress sense too)

In a more lo-fi genre, Death Cab for Cutie too have a knack for lyrics that go straight to your heart and lacrimal glands. On Plans, their fifth album in 2005, there is a song I keep going back to when I need a good cry. "Someday You Will Be Loved" with its perfect video. Strangely enough I don't find it that hopeful...

Some old classical songs add some gravita to the heartbreak, after all love pain is as old as the world, right? Here, Nina Simone covers Screaming Jay Hawkins's "I put a spell on you" in a haunted way. If the original (1956) was rather eccentric and out of the ordinary, Simone's cover is full on melodramatics with over the top strings and rolling tears

Talking of putting a spell on a loved one, here we have the unrequited love version from English singer songwriter Matt Hales aka Aqualung. On his first self titled album in 2002 he hit the jackpot with this distressed and poisonous "Strange & Beautiful" - stalker alert!

Obviously we can't talk of heartbreak song without mentioning the one king song to rule them all. No need for an introduction, just sing along and shiver:

So, take good care of your hearts, kids, as Saint Bonnie sings it eloquently: "it's a heartache, nothing but heartache, hits you when it's too late, hits you when you're down. It's a fool's game, nothing but a fool's game. Standing in the cold rain, feeling like a clown..."

Back on the Codeine

2011-11-20T12:12:00.001+01:00

Like so many other people I have watched and enjoyed retailer John Lewis' new Christmas ad, obviously it led me to go to youtube to listen to the original 'Please, please, please, let me get what I want' by The Smiths. It was released in 1984 and has been covered by tons of artists and used in many soundtracks.

I listened to a couple more Smith tracks like that and then, the magic of Youtube operated: on the right hand section there were some rubbish recommendations as often but...omagaaaad I have forgotten about Codeine, I used to love that band. I avidly listened to available tracks and here we are!

Codeine formed in 1989 in New York and were part of the Slowcore mouvement, like Low, Red House Painters, Galaxie 5000, Bedhead,... However, they were labelled as pioneers of a more indie type of slowcare (yeah, this is a bit silly)
So basically you have the monotonous, bleak lyrics and repetitive hypnotic guitars but with bursts of indie rock here and there. nice.

Perfect example: Sea on their 2nd album "The White Birch"

Their discography is very simple as it only encompasses 2 albums:
Frigid Star in 1990 and The White Birch 4 years later. The band, led by Stephen Immerwhar split the same year, in 1994.

3 Angels was on their first LP

The good news is that Mogwai have managed to get Immerwhar & co out of their Codeine hiding and the band will perform on May 26th at Alexandra Palace for the Mogwai curated event I'll Be You Mirror.
Hopefully they'll have fun and tour some more afterwards. we can only keep our fingers crossed.

Play it Greg, play...

2011-11-07T20:03:00.001+01:00

This month, London born crooner Gregory Page will release his...31st album "My True Love". yups, never heard of him before? I only started following his career last year when his album Promise Of A Dream landed on my desk and, you know, crooners and me...

Give me a piano, a tortured man in a classy suit singing his love in a jazz bar and I say yes every time!

"Saturday Night Blues" by Gregory Page from Wiant on Vimeo.

I think my love for those whiskey-filled mournful songs come from my first listens of Tom Waits back Catalogue from the 70s: Closing Time (73), The Heart Of Saturday Night (74), Nighthawks at The Diner (75), Small Change (76), Foreign Affairs (77) and Blue Valentine (78)

So back to gentleman singer Gregory page then, his smooth voice and quaint, passé melodies are not for hipsters, he comes from a more traditional mould of song-writers, and probably because of that there is a great comfort in his beautifully crafted music, yeah you feel good and you can trust him with your ears and emotions, this guys will take good care of them.

Here he is playing live the first track of his new album "It's You"

This new album is his hommage to classical jazzy artists from another era like Louis Armstrong, Cole Porter and miss Billie Holiday.

In his previous album there were already some touches of old gramophone and perhaps happier times, like in this female led "My Foolish Heart", just close your eyes and you will be transported in time...

And one last one video for the road, another great live version of his "Sleeping Dogs" recorded last year for VPRO..., nighty night kids, no cold beds, and sweet dreams

PS/ once you've bought his new album also try his free iPhone app ( yup a man can long for simpler times but still be current. amen)

Love Me Baby - A Guide To Heartbreak Music Part I

2011-11-01T12:36:00.001+01:00

So your eyes meet theirs, a connection is made and you start seeing each other. Life is easy, you have a silly smile on your face, nothing is important, you can face any problem the world throws at you, you are in love like Bright Eyes "The First Day Of My Life", with fluffy kitten flying high above rainbows on a unicorn s' back...

But then one day, you learn that he's throwing you away for a 15-year-younger-model (or 15-yr-older if he's into cougars), or you've found texts of a sexy nature to another woman on his cell or worst of all, you finally realise he actually kills the fluffy kittens at night ( Sorry male reader, I'm sure ladies do terrible things to you too, so feel free to apply the scenario that best fits your own story)
DRAMA!

At times like these we are all allowed to wallow in self pity and what do most of us do? We turn to music to soothe our pain. After all, if rich creative beautiful sexy cool people can have a broken heart, it's only normal we do too.

But what makes a good 'heartbreak song'?

1. first observation: we tend to forget any notion of taste when we have a heart in 1000 pieces. Some of the biggest torch songs have been written by those heavy metal bands in the late 80s and early 90s. Yes I'm talking about choruses as big as the band's hair, guitar solos on mountain tops and lyrics that are so very profound, every one of us can identify with it. My favourite in that genre is probably "You Don't Know What You've Got 'Till It's Gone" by Philly blues-rock-glam metal combo Cinderella

2. the lyrics: I admit I'm already a sucker for good lyrics but when I need to feel sorry for myself after a break-up, I'm always on the look-out for the perfect lyrics that fit my mood and "oh my god that's EXACTLY how I feel' moments. Music (art in general) is a powerful identification mechanism - we are never alone to feel the way we do, and it helps...
There are many contenders in this category , depending on how you feel: angry, sad, resigned, despaired, pretending to be fine, missing that horrible person who broke your heart,...or all those emotions at the same time.

Here's a selection for your perusal (this post is sponsored by Kleenex by the way)

>> For the delusionals amongst us, who still want to believe something is possible, the Penelope's of modern times will recognise themselves in this poignant Emiliana Torrini song ( esp, if like me you love red Chanel lipstick)

>> when you feel proper despair, tears rolling down your cheeks, forlorn and miserable,when you have reached rock bottom of sadness, there is nothing better (or worse?) than Soap & Skin's Fall Foliage

>> OK, OK, boys too can be left heartbroken, unrequited love is more often their playground though, they don't do despair like the ladies do. Here's to you Maxi Hecker

>> Then there's those songs, like Cat Power's Good Woman, where the lyrics just hit you straight to the throat, you play it strong, you're ok, even though you're devastated but yeah this was the best decision, right? RIGHT?

We'll cover many more themes in the next installment of A Guide To Heartbreak Music, feel free to leave your best songs in the comments

3. it's not just the lyrics, though, the way our singer means those words, the music, the silence, the whispers followed by screams... all contribute to the general effet. Take my mum, she doesn't speak English and is not fond of music, but one day I sat her in the sofa, asked her to close her eyes and played her the Jeff Buckley version of Lilac Wine. She was in shock, she told me " I have no idea what he says but how he suffers, it makes me sad..."

4. There's also the personal element: songs or artists that meant something to your story and they hurt now, they really do. If they can have poetic lyrics and melodies full of regrets and melancholy you have a real winner.
This one is very personal so again, leave your own tracks in the comments section
Richard Hawley, always and forever..."Soldier On"

Next time, we'll go into other Heartbreak territories but that's it for now. Looking forward to hearing your best songs and opinions on this very grave subject.

I will leave you with Peggy Lee's words

"...Then I fell in love, with the most wonderful boy in the world.
We would take long walks by the river or just sit for hours gazing into each other's eyes.
We were so very much in love.
Then one day, he went away. And I thought I'd die -- but I didn't.
And when I didn't I said to myself, "Is that all there is to love?"

Is that all there is, is that all there is
If that's all there is my friends, then let's keep dancing.."

Introducing Jessica Jalbert

2011-10-30T11:01:00.000+01:00

Thanks the great blog Twentyfourbit, I've come across new singer-songwriter Jessica Jalbert.

I can't find much about her except that she's from Edmonton, in Canada and she has an album titled Brother Loyola out about now.

Here's a lovely track, Lack of a Lake, that you can get for free on her site

<p>&amp;amp;lt;a href="http://jessicajalbert.bandcamp.com/track/lack-of-a-lake"&amp;amp;gt;Lack of a Lake by Jessica Jalbert&amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;gt;</p>

I love the sweet nostalgic feel of her sound, the voice reminds me a bit of Holly Miranda or a quiet version of Annie of Giant Drag fame.

It's not all twee and quietness though, single Paris Green does have some layers of guitars and beating drums. I'm a tad less convinced by her voice here though.

Last but not least for you electronica lovers, previous dream-pop single Necromancy has been successfully remixed to create a great soundtrack to a lazy Sunday Morning in bed.

Now it's time for a croissant dipped into milky coffee, if you'll excuse me.

I fade into you again, and again

2011-10-24T19:44:00.002+02:00

You live your life

You go in shadows

You'll come apart and you'll go black

Some kind of night into your darkness

Colors your eyes with what's not there.

Fade into you

Strange you never knew

Fade into you

I think its strange you never knew

That was the track that defined 1993 for a lot of indie kids and music lovers. Fade Into You by the Californian duo Mazzy Star on their 2nd album So Tonight That I Might See

How many teenagers wanted to get close and personal with Hope Sandoval...and I knew quite a few girls who wanted to be her as well...

The song has this timeless nostalgic feel, the sadness that lingers after a love affair ends...oh the tears that have been shed listening to this record!

So Mazzy Star then, Sandoval and David Roback appeared on the dream pop scene back in 1989, a year later they released a first opus She Hangs Brightly; the dark art nouveau with gothic undertones visuals of that album paved the way for the musical content: brooding and psychedelia-tinged folk with Sandoval's child-like voice half soothing half creepy

It took them 3 years to serve us a follow-up album: So Tonight I Might See, and with it came world-wide fame. The production is more mature and Sandoval's voice more seductive and velvety.

This is my favourite track on that album: 5 String Serenade ( I dare you not to melt)

After a Third album Among My Swan, the band went on a hiatus to pursue solo careers. Sandoval released a couple of albums and went on tour whilst Roback produced Beth Orton's Central Reservation amongst others.

Then last week, it was revealed that Mazzy Star would come back with a new song ( the first one in 15 years) with a full album to follow. That first single will be available for Halloween ( they always had a gothic undertone) and a small trailer hit Youtube.

Today, Pitchfork brings us the B-Side from that single.

I'm really looking forward to a brand new slice of Mazzy Star. You?

Rejoice! Autumn Falls in November

2011-10-15T13:45:00.002+02:00

From November 21st until the 27th in Brussels, Indie music will be celebrated via the wonderful Autumn Falls festival. It's been going on for a few years and the bill keeps showcasing impeccable taste in the talented and oddball musical landscape. About 50 artists will take part in this indie extravaganza in various venues throughout Brussels. Full listing on the festival's website

On November 24th, don't try and call me or invite me anywhere, I will be at the Cirque Royal to watch 3 excellent acts do their stuff on stage. First up is Pinback, a Californian stalwart indie band that many of my music lover friends love love love ( yes you @exexalex and @mikediver). Since 1999 they've released 4 albums and a 5th one is planned for 2012. They're consistantly good live so it's a good 'entrée en matière'

For mains, it will be mister Bill Callahan of Smog fame, I've talked about him many times on this blog so won't spoil your intelligence with more rambling about how wooooonderful a songwriter he is.
Callahan can be moody on stage but his voice and music are well worth the ticket fee alone.
He gave us 12 lo-fi albums as Smog and has put out his 4th effort under his own name back in April. The single from Apocalypse was 'America'

Then the cherry on the cake that night will be Low, the trio from Minnesota who encapsulated the Slow Core genre in the mid 90s
They released their 9th album "C'mon" earlier this year on Sub Pop. I love them, I just do : the harmonies, the simplicity mixed with some harshness and the lancinant, near psychedelic sounds...it's just perfect!

Autumn Falls holds another little gem in his programme: She Keeps Bees. If you like artists like Patti Smith, Cat Power or even old Pj Harvey you must try some She Keeps Bees. Live, you just want to hug Jessica Larrabee, she's standing there so fresh and un-starlike full of jokes and joie de vivre. Then she sings and her voices fills up the space with so much soul...
I completely missed the released of Dig On last spring so here's an old favourite of mine 'Cage Match'
You can see her at the Botanique on November 26th as support for Pink Mountaintops

I'd also like to point out several other highlights quickly:
On the 26th if She Keeps Bees is not your cup of tea and you prefer dancing, then head to the AB for Metronomy + SX + Holloys + Babe Rainbow and the great Germans Tarwater

Now, still on the 26th the rockers amongst you will be making their way to the VK for a full dosage of decibels courtesy of Chrome Hoof, Part Chimp and Alkerdeel.
And because Tim Cedar is a very old friend of mine from when he was in a band called Ligament here's a dose of Part Chimp to wake every up.

And for you, Lana Del Ray fans, try a dose of Marissa Nadler please, you may just be seduced by the real deal and she'll be in Brussels on November 27th with Scott Matthews and A Winged Victory For The Sullen.

Autum Falls is a festival held in various venues across Brussels from November 21st until the 27th, organised by Tout Par Tout Booking agency

Dreams do come true, Cass

2011-10-11T14:03:00.002+02:00

Some artists are constantly good throughout their career, they keep creating beautifully crafted pieces of music. One such artists is mister Cass McCombs; he will be releasing his 6th album later this fall so maybe it's time to have a look at his prolific outputs.

I don't know much about McCombs apart from his music and the fact that his albums are put out by Domino Records. So let's focus on the music then...
Back in 2003 he released a first album (after an EP the previous year) that was critically acclaimed. Simply titled 'A' it showcased McCombs's talent for soothing melodies, odd lyrics and that latent dreamy sadness.
First track is called I Went To The Hospital and leaves you in no doubt about the American's abilities. it's a terrific piece of music, what a way to start your first album!

2 years later McCombs came back with PREfection,an album that kept going in the same direction than its predecessor.
Then in 2007 came Dropping The Writ, and with it a slight change of musical landscape: less reverbs, less indie postures, more Americana and folky sounds. As Pitchfork wrote at the time McCombs stopped gazing at his feet but started staring at the stars instead. And it worked a treat. On that LP there is a song "Full Moon Or Infinity" that probably is in my top10 favourites songe EVAH

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eSnips Social DNA

Releasing albums at the rhythm of one every 2 years, we only had to wait until 2009 for Catacombs, yup the boy'still enjoying playing with words and is not afraid of auto-derision. For most of his teenage years and early adulthood, Mc Combs travelled across America and this 4th album is very much a troubadour on the road type of album. Again, the melodies are flowing effortlessly and softly in the listener's ears. First single was Dreams Come True, Girl with some vocals from Karen Black, and is tinged with 50s influences.

Back in April, McCombs served us a fifth helping of his original yet comforting music ("Wit's End") and lo and behold! we won't have to wait another 2 years for the next installment as Humour Risk (See, told you the boy was funny with words) will be with us in November. Reasons to be cheerful, right? We'll be well cosy at home this winter with an extra dose of McCombs. Yes, dreams DO come true ;-)

I hope you'll check this talented and orignal artist and am praying for him to give a show in Belgium soon. Despite following his career since 2003, I've never seen him live...

In Memoriam of Sparklehorse

2011-09-25T23:25:00.002+02:00

For the past 2 weeks I've been thinking about Sparklehorse, musical project of Mark Linkous who died back in March 2010. He's one of these artists that seem to influence so many others yet never got quite that high recognition he deserved. A sensitive soul who made a music layered with emotions, feelings and still at the heart of it a certain freshness and even naivety. To me, his music often shined with a lot of light and often triggered a smile.

Why am I thinking about Linkous at the moment? For 2 reasons: the first one is Twin Falls who's debut album "Slow Numb" was released mid September on CowshedMusic. This is another singer-songwriter hiding behind a band name, in this case West Country boy Luke Stidson.
I found a link to their soundcloud and their song "Monkey is a singe" was reminiscent of Linkous' Sparklehorse. The rest of the album is more folky and alt country, you can download a free track on their website if you're curious.

twin falls - monkey is singe by Covert PR

Reason number 2 for going back to my Sparkelhorse CDs is a superb musical project called "A Winged Victory For The Sullen". Composed of Dustin O'Halloran and Adam Wiltzie, AWVFTS marries classical music with some post-rock sounds and dusts the result with some ambiant to create absolutely stunning pieces of music. O'Halloran and Wiltzie were making music with linkous and created this hybrid project in his memory. Oh boy, it's sublime, moving, enthralling...when I told you he inspired many to create music.

Their self-titled album was released early September in Europe and if you like music that will keep you in its arms during the long winter night, this album is for you.

So thank you Mark Linkous, thank you for your 4 Sparklehorse albums, thank you for the collaboration with Fennesz, thank you for your Dark Night Of The Soul project with Dangermouse & Lynch and finally thank you for the legacy and still inspiring great people to make fabulous music.

Future This: When Pink Turns Gold

2011-09-17T14:37:00.000+02:00

I very much remember the first time I heard "To Young To Love" back at the start of 2009 - it was heavy and dark like a winter rainy day. It was dangerous and seductive, it was hypnotic and inebriated, short of breath and spinning. You bet I loved it. The band, who chose the rather silly name The Big Pink, was signed by 4AD, which added a stamp of quality.

They followed this first single with Velvet which was more in the same veine: layers of guitars in a shoegazing mood, deep noisy electronica and slightly naïve lyrics delivered in a passionately bored tone ( yes it's possible) This band was creating very sexy music that brought us deliciously back to the mid 90s but with a current edge.

The album A Brief History of Love was a tad disappointing. It's not easy to create 11 tracks of the same intensity as their first 2 singles, even for seasoned musicians like Milo Cordell and Robbie Furze. However it led us to believe that they have what it takes to take the next album a step further.
The gigs were urgent, sweaty, rock'n roll and mesmerizing, especially at the small AB club; the band was less convincing at festivals but that was to be expected despite their latest single Dominoes being played everywhere and transforming them into pop stars.

This week they're releasing a first full video for their new single out in November, it's called Stay Gold

They've kept the same 'winning recipe' used on Dominoes with the big cheering pop chorus, adding touches of Celtic undertones. To me, it sounds weaker, even washed-up, it sounds like a band who are willing to be less creative to keep the masses happy. Good on them if it works I guess.

Maybe I'm too hard, it's still atmospheric and the lads have a right to play slightly lighter and easier music. Maybe I just liked them too much before.
The full 2nd album Future This will be out still on 4AD in January 2010 and whilst waiting for it I'll keep playing those first single of theirs, you know to keep the expectations high :-p

The Phoenix rises again

2011-09-11T19:04:00.000+02:00

naaah not those Phoenix

It took me about 6 months to start liking music again. Add an extra 2 or 3 months to want to write about it and share bits of music that excite, endear, surprise me... and we reach 9 months. hum.
Thing is, when you write for other people, it takes an extra energy or motivation to take to the computer again when you get back home late, when the last thing you want to see is a Facebook page or a blog.

But, here we go again. I took my time, but I now feel ready to talk about music with you, to go back to gigs and buy records. First, it started with a tour of my old favourite records: singing along, dancing in the kitchen, remembering how I know some songs by heart because the lyrics are so beautifully crafted. You know, falling back in love again.

Then I kept that little Facebook page that's been fed with snippets of new music that I came across. That's how I stumbled upon First Aid Kit's cover of Fever Ray's "When I Grow Up". And then... gosh I wanted to write about it!

Covers, a difficult art: stay too close to the original and you get labelled a copycat without a vision, appropriate the song to your own style too much and you lack respect to the original. There is a fine balance. Some artists are master at surprising us with covers that manage to stay true to the songs ' roots yet shed a new light on it.

Back to First Aid Kit, they first came to the public awareness in 2008 with a cover of Fleet Foxes' "Tiger Mountain Peasant Song". The Söderbrg sisters followed this first good impression with a lovely album titled "The Big Black & The Blue" in 2010.
Folky harmonies and that naïve seriousness only encountered in teenage voices made them stand out with what was a very decent first effort.

In 2012, they will be back with a 2nd album "The Lion's Roar"; to whet our appetites and show us how much they've grown they've just served up this stunning cover.
I love the original: dark, moody and transporting us to the limit of danger. Yet this fragile cover, with all its differences stays true to the Fever Ray tracks whilst transposing it in a different world. Amazing feat by Klara and Joanna!

Let me know what your favourite covers are and we'll do a blogpost or two about the best ones...and don't forget to keep your ears peeled for The Lion's Roar

Welcome back!
Sophie.

No Tall Order

2011-04-09T11:22:00.003+02:00

One of the highlights of the fabulous Nuits Botanique bill this year is the presence on May 20th of Kristian Matsson, the man hiding behind the pseudo The Tallest Man on Earth.
This Swedish singer-songwriter is responsible for 2 good albums: Shallow Grave in 2007 and The Whild Hunt this year. It won't be his first show at the Bota, a venue that loves seeing its artist grow.

Matsson went through Jools Holland's studio and recorded this lovely Dylan-esque version of "Loving All"

So will I see you on the 20th? come ooon

A baby's breath before the Apocalypse.

2011-04-01T11:55:00.005+02:00

Another old favourite of mine is coming back to the fore: Bill Callahan, aka Smog.

Next week, he'll release 'Apocalypse', his 4th album under his own name, after 11 outputs as Smog.

Last week, he gave us a taste of things to come with a wonderful single 'Baby's Breath'

The lyrics are so precise and utterly moving, his dead pan delivery giving them even more strength. I've always found intriguing how his dispassionate voice can be so potent and emotional. If the rest of the album is a good as Baby's Breath, we're in for a treat ladies and gentlemen.

If you're not familiar with Callahan's music, I would recommend Red Apple Falls, his Smog album from 1997. It's the same deep voice, lo-fi music, slightly cerebral approach to the singer-songwriter job as today, but maybe more naive.

ATTENTION: Bill Callahan will be present at the Nuits Botanique this year, on May 17th @ Théâtre 140 !

Demons creeping me up with pleasure

2011-03-19T10:29:00.004+01:00

Looking a the list of upcoming concerts in Brussels, one might feel overwhelmed with so many (on paper) fabulous gigs to go to. One I don't want to miss is Timber Timber on 22nd of April at the AB

The Canadians's untitled first album was haunted, melodic, beautiful and Taylor Kirk has a voice and delivery so particular that you recognise him instantly. They sing dark tales lit by candlelight, ghostly stories of human feelings. They will release a new album early April, it will bear the title of 'Creep on Creepin'on' a title that suggests a continued musical voyage in troubled waters. And that my friends, is good news indeed!

Here's an old stripped down version of "Until The Night is Over" for NPR

and their superb first single Demon Host

This should whet your appetites for the couple of weeks that separate us from the release of Creep on Creeping On.

Now I'd better get my tickets for the gig or I'll cry tears of blood...

Alex Turner, naked and submarine

2011-03-12T13:00:00.005+01:00

I do like the Arctic Monkeys, I'm yearning for a new Last Shadow Puppets album and yes, I do rate Alex Turner as a brilliant lyricist. His voice has also morphed over the past few years, the lad has now the confidence to play with it a bit more, I'm sure he'll surprise us with his range in the future.

This week, the Monkeys have announced a new album for June and 5 songs by Turner as a solo artist have turned up on youtube. This EP will serve as soundtracks for a film called Submarine.

It's absolutely stunning in simplicity: voice + acoustic guitar

If like me you're hungover today, this will soothe you and make you feel better, I promise!

At the moment we are being force-fed so many female songstress, whether they have talent or not, it's ironic to find musical solace in the male voices of old favourites and new ones too.

Thank you gents!

Oh Mark...I'm burning!

2011-03-12T12:30:00.006+01:00

So, after his usual collaborations Mark Lanegan has gone back in a studio to record solo material. Happy news indeed! The first taste of his upcoming album is Burning Jacob's Lader, a track used on a video game' soundtrack which is why we can download this great desert rock piece for FREE. Yup! and I have the link for you.

or you can just listen now:

I'm really excited to hear Lanegan in such fine rock form. I will always remember the first time I heard his voice, on a tape in the train between Saint-Ghislain and Mons.

I had read an article in the magazine Actuel (RIP) about a musical genre called grunge that would soon reach Europe and they mentioned a few bands like Mudhoney and Screaming Trees. I loved the description of their music and decided Screaming Trees would be my favourite band. It even got me an introduction to the cool music gang at school, they were impressed I knew and loved such a fine band. So I went to the Mediathèque, found 2 albums and prayed for the music to be good. I recorded the albums on a tape and bravely pressed Play on my walkman in the train.

I sat there shivering and short of breath, I had instantly fallen in love with Lanegan's voice. Today, some 20 years later I still get the same butterflies in my tummy when I hear him sing songs as good as that Burning Jacob's Ladder.

I can't wait to hear the full album and see him play live again.I hope he takes better care of himself than in the past because we need more good music from the man.

Have a good weekend!

After the storm...

2011-02-22T11:15:00.002+01:00

OK, I've calmed down and the best way to feel better after a disappointment is cuddle music.

For that, I give you Summer Fiction with "Throw Your Arms Around Me", told you it was cuddle music...

The video is cleverly made from cuts of 'Vivre Pour Vivre' a French film from 1967 and soooo deliciously vintage, right up my street ;-)

So Summer Fiction then, it's a band from Philadelphia led by singer/songwriter Bill Ricchini, it does indeed echo 60s folk pop with more than a hint of Elliott Smith.

It's just very pretty music and there is nothing wrong with pretty, I like pretty! This song makes me want to snuggle up in the arms of my loved one.

If you're curious and want to listen to more music, the full self titled album is streaming on the band's website

Happy cuddles, kids

The end of the affair?

2011-02-20T14:55:00.004+01:00

Oh Polly what have you become?

A few months ago I wrote you a love letter on this blog, but like many other relationships our was not to last. We stayed together for 19 years, not bad all things considered.

Yesterday you played Le Cirque Royal for the second night in a row. It was rubbish. Yes you can still sing, yes the sound was good and the band tight but where has the feeling gone? The fire? The personality?

Wearing a silly hat and costume, playing a ridiculous autoharp and singing like a demented child do not make you original or entertaining. It makes us sad however.

A few old tracks thrown at us like bread at pigeons did not blind me enough to think I had a great night.

If you choose not to speak to your adoring public, at least make some sort of effort to fill the gaps...the silence between the tracks made you look like you don't care so enthralled are you with yourself. It smacked of musical masturbation and you forgot the first rule entertainment: yup you're doing all of this for your AUDIENCE and even if some saw you live for the first time, I'm sure the memory won't last long on the collective memories.

Yet I have many memories that I will cherish and I will forever keep your 4 albums from the 90s close to my heart and my ears. When you were a woman consumed by her emotions, it's what's always seduced me about your music and it's what's lacking so much today.

Gone are the songs written with your heart and tripes, in favor of more intellectual musings.

These are not for me.

One last comment about last night's gig: you also seem to have forgotten what a wonderful vocal range you possess, favoring that nasal high pitch that actually hurts the ears.

Talking of ears, a musician such as you must hear the difference between your previous work and its passion and the dull, steril sound of your recent outputs. Don't be too proud Polly, everybody's allowed to be wrong, just come back stronger soon, please.

I wish you all the best and thanks for the past 19 years.

with love,

Sophie.

PS: if you ever come back, I'll welcome you with open arms....you remember this?

Another Day Full of Dread

2011-02-04T15:35:00.003+01:00

This live version of the classic Bonnie 'Prince' Billy track has recently surfaced on Youtube. It's taken from an Aussie TV show back in 1999, and is therefore quite a rare treat.

Here it is for your viewing pleasure

Have a good weekend!

Vegetal Noise

2011-01-24T23:01:00.003+01:00

Thot is an rather impetuous indie band based in Brussels. They usually serve a good dose of heavy rock mated with some electronics. But like everybody else, they have a softer side, which they explore on their latest single The Hour Speller, played Live at Radio Campus here:

They will play in full rock'n electro stylee in Brussels on the 24th of Feb at the Live Music Café - it won't be for the faint hearted, their live reputation precedes them so make sure you're ready for some action...

Check their blog to try a slice of their Vegetal Noise Music.

Faris and his Cats Eyes

2011-01-21T14:20:00.004+01:00

I've been lucky enough to hear some of the music written and recorded by Cat's Eyes. First EP will be out in Feb via Polydor and the full album will reach us a bit later. The good news is that there will be a European tour as well.

Who or what is Cat's Eyes?: it's Faris Badwan, leader of The Horrors and Rachel Zeffira.

There is a teasing website and Pitchfork will have exclusive footage of the duo's first live show...in the Vatican, no less.

I seriously can't wait for Cat's Eyes music to be out there because I really really enjoyed what I heard. And I also can't wait to talk about it with you. It's very different from what he does with his 'day band', yet there is continuity...

Faris will be a busy boy as there is also a new Horrors album in the pipeline. Hooba!

Warpath? gimme more!

2011-01-19T20:01:00.005+01:00

Please go and buy Esben and The Witch's first album Violet Cries. It's dark, it's haunted, it's moody and creepy, it's noisy, it has tiny flavours of Siouxie...it's bloody good!

want proof?

okay.

And to see them live, put February 12th in your diary as they'll grace the stage of the Botanique (la Rontonde) Tickets are available. See you there!

I heart James Blake

2011-01-18T14:23:00.003+01:00

Sometimes words are superfluous...

I will let this young man charm you and just shut up. click on the link and enjoy!

LINK

Anna Calvi

2011-01-17T10:54:00.003+01:00

If you have nothing to do on February 2nd, there is only one destination: Le Botanique.

Anna Calvi will come and play her first output on Domino, a self titled album that hits the stores today.

She has that sort of voice and style that people will either love or hate and she clearly sounds 'different' which is no bad thing.

Her music is orchestral yet sparse, dark but strong, girly and masculine at the same time.

I can't wait to be surprised by Anna Calvi on stage so see you on Feb 2nd

If you want to know more about Miss Calvi Domino Records has everything you need

And if you want to buy tickets for what promises to be a fabulous night out, here's the link to the event on the Bota website

Welcome back to my world.

2011-01-09T21:42:00.002+01:00

I'll activate my musical neurones before the end of the week it's promised. Thanks for stopping by and here's a little present.

What else did you expect? that's the beauty of having a blog, I can go gaga over artists I like and hope that you catch the bug too.

Speak to you very soon

Sophie x

the last LMDS play-list

2011-01-02T23:03:00.001+01:00

You will never hear the last LMDS show but you can check the play-list. Thanks for the fun 3 months and I hope you enjoy this...
Happy New Year.

Shell Game - Bright Eyes
Your Belgian Things - The Mountain Goats

Days - Creep ft Romy XX
Our Darkness - Anne Clark

Ghost Woman Blues - The Low Anthem
Right As Rain - Deus

Surrender - Ólöf Arnalds
Too Soon, Too Late - Dirty Three

How to Be a Werewolf - Mogwai
Rise From The Shadows - Alberta Cross

Moulinette - Anna Calvi
Breathing - Kate Bush

Wild Thing - Noah And The Whale
Blue Moon Rising - Gomez

Light Streams- Esben And The Witch
This Is Hardcore - Pulp

come home - Amatorski
Here We Go Again - Lady Linn

Ariel (Album Version) - Stateless
You Come In Burned - The Dandy Warhols

Tree By The River - Iron & Wine
His Loyal Love - Woven Hand

Magpies - Joan As Police Woman
Beauty Of Speed - Tori Amos

Now That I'm Older - Sufjan Stevens
Gentle Hours - Yo La Tengo

Wind's Voice - Amelie
Parisian Dream - Laura Veirs

Albums in 2010 - Part II

2010-12-13T10:57:00.005+01:00

I will admit it, sometimes I need to think long and hard to remember if an album was released this year or the previous one, there is so much music out there, it can be tricky to keep up with it. However some albums punch you in the stomach at the first listen, so much so that you remember where you were when you heard it.
It's the case with These New Puritans ' second album "Hidden". I did enjoy the experimentations on their first opus: it was clever, quite obtuse but raging with some great energy.
It was with a lot of anticipation that I put the new album on my CD player and it started like this:

The whole album is a tad heavy to digest but it beams with sounds and atmospheres so radically different from anything else that was released this year. It's raw, tribal, convoluted, brilliant, engaging. It's also not an album that I would listen to very often. But every time I need a little reminder of how utterly energizing and inovative music can be I reach for These New Puritans.

In the quiet corner we have the fabulous Dane Ognes Obel. she is so tiny yet so talented. Her first album Philarmonics was released in the fall and has seduced many music fans.
Her melodies are teinted with melancholy, a sort of quiet sadness, nothing too dramatic but it's not not just 'pretty' there is depth here.

Live she has that sort of little girl lost in the woods look, but once her fingers are safely on the piano, she opens up, like a flower.

we move swiftly to the witches: in the mould left empty by Bat For Lashes or Fever Ray, this year we have Glasser. Haunting, tribal, her siren-like vocals tempt the listener into her world. Quite mesmerizing.

Back to the folk music with Conor O Brian's project Villagers. It just reminds me of the best of what Bright Eyes can do. Songs like stories with well written lyrics, kudos in the voice, simple melodies. It's like a bowl of cocoa, like a friend who hugs you. And we all need those from time to time. The album's called Becoming A Jackal

and a bit of fluffy electro to finish today's post with London's Hot Chip. I love the album, it puts me in such a good mood, romatic music you can dance on, what's not to like. so there!

Albums in 2010 - Part I

2010-12-09T09:58:00.004+01:00

I know, it's been a while, the radio show and other matters have kept me very occupied.
I now have a few days to add some content to this blog so we'll go through the best of 2010. Or at least what I've enjoyed the most in 2010. Feel free to comment of course.

Everybody will agree that "High Violet" was another masterpiece by The National. The success of the album must have taken them by suprise a bit, it probably was released at the right time and people took to it. Good for them! Here's a great video of Terrible Love filmed for Pitchfork.tv

What I love about this album is how you first get grabbed by the music and then slowly layer after layer you 'get' the lyrics, it's like discovering a new album over and over.

In another genre, another great success this yes is signed by the American duo The Black Keys. "Brothers" is their 6th album and probably the most accessible. They also showcase their odd sense of humour on the videos, with the little dinosaur Frank

I've always loved The Black Keys from the first chords of Thickfrickedness to their Blackroc project ( another Blacroc album should arrive soon, those guys never sleep) and again, it's another hard working band that deserves the success it now reaps. Keep the good music comin'

2010 was also the year ma favourite singstress Laura Marling released her 2nd album. Oh boy! "I Speak Because I Can" took me a little while to get into but it really became an album that rarely left my side.
Her voice is more assured, her lyrics sharp and evocative, the melodies and orchestration subtle et warm.
It's a gem of an album.
Here she is, raw, bare and still so very compelling

There must be a goth in me, this year I've enjoyed some darker music ( or is that kind of music more popular in these financial times?)
One EP that has caught my ear is "Stridulum II" by Zola Jesus. I didn't know her at all to be honest and I have not yet seen her live but I like where her music takes me.

Last album and video for today: "The Fool" the debut album by Warpaint. Hypnotic, warm, it casts its spell on the listerner from the first note to the last. And they're good, if a bit excited young puppy, on stage too!
You MUST listen to this record. pretty please.

More albums, concerts, singles very soon...

Esben And The Witch 'Marching Song'

2010-09-18T14:30:00.004+02:00

I love them, I love them, I love them...I've been obssessed with this band for the past 2 weeks. Did I mention how much I love them?

My mate Mike, their manager, has been talking about them for a while and I was always saying 'yeah yeah Mike'. They have now signed to Matadaor and are releasing a proper first single, helped by a fabulously dark video.
OK I can't wait any longer...

This will be out in October and a full album is planned for early 2011.
I have no idea what a full album will sound like, maybe I've been bewitched by this one track...who knows.
In the meantime I'm enjoying it immensely, hope you too!

Their Myspace

Veronica Falls 'Beach Head'

2010-09-15T15:48:00.004+02:00

the 4 members ( 2 boys 2 girls) of Veronica Falls are English and fast becoming quite hype with their indiepop tinted with vintage american garage.

They have released two singles so far, the latest is this cute musical gem: Beach Head
If you like The Raveonettes for exemple you may very well jump up and down for the next 3 minutes

Full lenght album will be out on Wichita early 2011

Blackie and the Oohoos 'Love Birds"

2010-09-06T16:20:00.001+02:00

Blackie and The Oohoos is band from Antwerpen centered around 2 sisters.
They have a first full album out in October.

This is what they sound like:

More info on their myspace

Philip Selway 'By Some Miracles'

2010-08-24T20:25:00.002+02:00

oh it must be terrible to be the drummer in a successful band. You never get any attention so you either go wild or you decide to show the world how creative and talented you are and you release some music yourself, that will show them!

Following in the foosteps of Phil Collins, we have Philip Selway, who usually resides behind Radiohead's drumkit, yeah the guy you never remember the name of, him!

He signed to uber label Bella Union, which in itself seems to suggest the guy knows indeed how to craft beautiful melodies, then there is a first single By Some Miracles

It's very pretty, if a little twee, and if he manages to create a full album of that quality, the guy can be proud of himself. We'll know more next week, on the 30th, when his first solo album Familial hits the shops.

A quick announcement

2010-08-13T13:55:00.002+02:00

Dear readers,

I've not been updating this site as much as I should, but it's partly for a good reason. From Spetember 4th, every Sunday night from 10pm CET until Midnight, I'll be doing a radio version of this blog thanks to Pure FM

I'll keep updating the blog at regular intervals but there will also be a Facebook page and Twitter for the new radio show.

I'll give you all the details in a future post.

Sophie x

Villagers 'Becoming A Jackal"

2010-08-02T16:17:00.002+02:00

Villagers is the project of Irish singer Conor J. O'Brien signed to Domino Records.

Becoming A Jackal is their first released and has been shortlisted by the Mercury Prize.
It's a lovely album with a lot of finesse and beautifully crafted songs.

Here's the title track to whet your appetites:

The Afghan Whigs 'Night By Candlelight'

2010-07-22T22:54:00.003+02:00

How I loved The Afghan Whigs and Greg Dulli. I once went to see them in a small venue ( I think they were supporting The Melvins but it seems odd....memory) and Dulli shook my hand after the show with a 'thank you for coming', he had a little 'jenesaisquoi' and I followed them ever since.

Just a beautiful ballad on their 2nd album 'Black Love', which, I realised today went missing from my collection.

Aqualung 'Strange & Beautiful'

2010-06-28T23:24:00.003+02:00

Writing a blog should also be therapeutic! I've had this lovely song by Aqualung in my head for the past few days, nagging me...so maybe it just wanted an inclusion on this blog.
I remember hearing this 'Strange and Beautiful' track for the first time in 2002, quite eerie and pretty, and sad and...well everything a longing love song should be.

Aqualung is actually just one guy Matthew Hales and he has released 6 albums so far. The last one was out in April this year and...I haven't heard a single note. Not sure it's even been released over here.

Nic Dawson Kelly 'The Musician'

2010-06-21T19:35:00.004+02:00

In my pile of CDs to listen to, there was a single by Nic Dawson Kelly. Looking at the artwork I thought ' oh no, not another one who wants to sound like Mike Skinner'
Imagine my surprise when I played the track and heard this:

Yup more antony Hegarty than The Streets, huh?

This young Sheffield-born musician released a first album "Old Valentine" in the UK last october but I think it will be out in Mainland Europe probably about now.

He has a very distinctive sound and voice and I'm looking forward to hearing more from him.

If you're curious too, you can jump to his MySpace

Alessi's Ark: "The Asteroids Collide"

2010-06-20T20:49:00.003+02:00

Hello and welcome back to this blog. After 2 weeks of well deserved holiday I came back to a flat without internet...it has its ups and downs and is not fully fixed yet but let's try and share some music once more.

Summer is never a good time for new music what with festivals taking all the headlines. It gives us time to check out some bands that pass off our radar during the year.

As you all know I may be biaised a little bit when it comes to Laura Marling. She's been raving about this English singer-songwriter called Alessi Laurent-Marke. She plays her music hidden behind the Alessi's Ark moniker.I HAD to check her out!
She'll be 20 at the end of the month and, like Marling and a few others, knows a thing or two about writing songs and performing them.

She left school at 16 to pursue a music career ( promising her supportive parents to go back to educations if nothing came of it after a year) and released a first auto produced EP 'Bedroom Bound'
A deal with Virgin followed and a first full album Notes From The Treehouse ensued.
Here's the single taken from that album

Since then she parted ways with the major label to join the ranks at indie label Bella Union. In 2010 she has release an EP 'Soul Proprietor' and is working on her next full album.

More on Alessi's Ark on her MySpace.

A Love Letter to PJ Harvey

2010-05-27T14:42:00.004+02:00

First of all, many apologies for not updating this blog, work has been very busy and I had no time for pleasure.

Secondly, I started this back back in September and I haven't yet posted a PJ Harvey song, this is travesty!
So, this is my love letter to PJ Harvey because more than any other artist, she has been with me every step of the way since 1992...that's an 18 year relationship for us.

I've always been touched by the rawness of the emotions that fill up her songs, how she manages to capture that mixture of feelings, the sadness and anger, the excitment and fear...it's at time so subtle yet so much in your face. It's damn corny but I've never felt alone with PJ Harvey. Yup...this is love

Nobody does a women scorned like Polly Jean, few people can do a women in love like her either, that's probably why.
She's got such a tiny frame but such a big voice and she's never been afraid to take risks with it.

The women in PJ Harvey'songs are sexual animals, they're strong, they're adventurous, they're also soft, generous, guided by love, haunted by jealousy,joy and pain but always asking for more...

So if you've never ventured into her world, it's probably not for the faint hearted but it's definitely worth the detour:
Her albums in my own personal order of preference ( favourite at the top)

* Is This Desire? (1998)
* To Bring You My Love (1995)
* Dry (1992)
* Rid of Me (1993)
* Uh Huh Her (2004)
* Stories from the City, Stories from the Sea (2000)
* White Chalk (2007)

She also released 2 albums with John Parish.

One last track for the road

I'm going on holiday for 2 weeks, not sure I'll update the blog very often but I'll try...maybe

xx

Jason Falkner: " She Goes To Bed"

2010-05-07T14:10:00.000+02:00

Just because I *heart* Jason Falkner...

Johnny Flynn " Kentucky Pill"

2010-05-05T14:06:00.002+02:00

Johnny Flynn is part of that trendy new London folk scene, led by Noah & The Whale, Laura Marling, Mumford & Sons...

He's actually been making music since 2006 and has 2 albums under his belt with a new one on the way ' Been Listening'
You may have seen him live as support to Mumford & Sons recently. But the biy is about to shine on his own.

Here is the first single out of the new album, which should be out at the beginning of June:

His Myspace is HERE

Ian M.Hale 'Loss'

2010-04-30T00:36:00.001+02:00

His Myspace

She & Him " In The Sun" ft Tilly & The Wall

2010-04-27T11:41:00.004+02:00

Perfect timing for She & Him to release their second album 'Voume 2'
Just like the weather, it's light, fun, filled with the musical equivalent of tea party dresses

what? you don't know what that means...come on take a look:

She is Zooey Deschanel, indie actress and allround entertainer. Him is singer-songwriter M.Ward ( who is also in Monsters Of Folk)
Their first album ( Volume one, aren't they clever?) has barely left my stereo since last year. I've listend to the new album, which is poppier than its' predecessor..and I think I need a few more listens to be fully convinced. Anyhow it's still pure fresh and cute pop music, perfect for this time of year!

Enjoy the sun!

Blanche "What This Town Needs"

2010-04-20T21:22:00.002+02:00

Let's stay with mr Jack White a little longer.
Blanche is quintet from Detroit and they mix country with a bit of garage, folk and more...with both female and male vocals.

Their banjo player "little" Jack lawrence also play with White in Raconteurs and also in Dead Weathers.

They have released quite a few EPs but their only album to date ( as far as I know) is Little Amber Bottles that was released 2 years ago through V2.

I saw them live without knowing anything about their music and I really enjoyed it. Since then I got the album and enjoy a bit of Blanche now and again. I hope you like them too

Karen Elson 'The Ghost Who Walks'

2010-04-14T10:31:00.002+02:00

OK, I'll admit it, when I heard that Jack Wite was producing his wife Karen Elson's first album, I rolled my eyes in disbelief...Surely he was smart enough to know better. It appears he does know better. One song doesn't represent everything but this sweet track has enough in it to whet appetites and to delay cries of nepotism

The Ghost WHo Walks is also the title of Elson album to be released later in 2010.

Cat Power ' Troubled Waters'

2010-04-13T16:02:00.004+02:00

Last night I needed to wind down after an exhausting day,so I took a bath and played The Cover Record by Cat Power. It never ceases to amaze me by its sheer beauty, simplicity, rawness and delicacy.

My favourite track of that album is 'Troubed Waters'

Afterwards, we got talking about Cat Power on Twitter with @kattebel, @janosizoltan and @Kmeron.
Chan Marshall has released many a great album under the Cat Power moniker since she embarked on a solo career in 1995:

* Dear Sir (1995)
* Myra Lee (1996)
* What Would the Community Think (1996)
* Moon Pix (1998)
* The Covers Record (2000)
* You Are Free (2003)
* The Greatest (2006)
* Jukebox (2008)
* Dark End of the Street (2008)

Over the years I have seen her play live many many times, and it was never a stroll in the park until she became sober and was able to sing for a whole show...and just loose me in the process. Made me want to share this old story with you. The first time I saw her play in the inimate Rotonde @ Botanique was just as she released What Would The Community Think in 96. Chan was so awkward on stage, hiding behind her bangs and generally being close to tears in front of the 50-odd people who had come to see her. After a few tracks, her ex came into the room (an artist, he had a press day in Bxl on the same date.) Everybody could see how excruciating it was for her to see him there and she suddenly stopped playing, addressing the audiance thus "I can't play the guitar anymore, is there anybody here who knows the chords to my tracks" A young lad answerd affirmatively and hopped on stage to play with Cat Power, who then finished the gig staring at the wall.

At that time her voice was so strong and in stark contrast to her frail persona, everybody in that venue probably remembers the show to this date, we could all feel her pain. It is one of the few gigs I recall most vividly.

On the other hand, the last time I saw her, I hated the show ( even though she was accompanied by 2 of my favourite musicians Jim White and Judah Bauer) her voice was gone, and yes, she was much more professional but the magic had disappeared.

Still, the albums are amazing to listen to and that will never go away. Here's probably my favorite ever Cat Power songs 'Nude As The News' from 96

Peggy Sue 'Watchman'

2010-04-08T11:18:00.004+02:00

Peggy Sue is a indie folk trio from Brighton. After a few name changes Rosa Rex, Katy Klaw and Olly Joyce have setteled for Peggy Sue just in time to release a first album on Witchita! [Their first outputs were released under the name Peggy Sue & The Pirates]

Fossils & Other Phantoms is a lovely collection of charming DIY songs, masterly crafted and full of original talent.

Watchman from Peggy Sue on Vimeo.

The full album is on streaming thanks to ClashMusic: to listen, just follow the LINK

They're embarking on a long European tour that will stop in Brugge on May 5th @ Cactus

More info HERE

MLCD 'What Are You Waiting For?"

2010-04-03T00:19:00.003+02:00

Let's be patriotic for once, MLCD are releasing a fine album! They come from Liege, Belgium and they have BIG dreams and BIG ambitions. Clearly they also have the talent and creativity to match.

The Tragic Tale of a Genius in an opera-pop of sorts that depicts the life of an artist. The First single sees Redboy, totured singer of the band, exchange vocal duties with Jonathan Donahue, of Mercury Rev fame. And it sounds like this:

MLCD - [My Little Cheap Dictaphone] - WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR from bubbleduchesse on Vimeo.

If you're in BXL on May 8th, be sure to check them out at the amazing Cirque Royal venue, this should be a treat, as the show has been choreographed and includes visuals and many other surprises.

for more info and music, there is Myspace

The Black Keys 'Tighten Up'

2010-04-02T17:22:00.003+02:00

There are few bands that have been consistently as good as The Black Keys over the past few years. With each album they've honed their craft and gone up a notch in pop whilst keeping their rootsy credentials.
It's simple bluesy music at its best.

Their new album Brothers will be out on May 18th and already sounds like a corker:

It will be their 8th album since 2002 ( Auerback also released a solo album on top of that + their foray into Hip Hop with their Blakroc project) and it sees Dan Auerback & Patrick Carney team up with Danger Mouse once again.

The Big Come Up (2002)
Thickfreakness (2003)
The Moan (2004)
Rubber Factory (2004)
Chulahoma (2006)
Magic Potion (2006)
Attack & Release (2008)
Brothers (2010)

The Irrepressibles 'In This Shirt'

2010-03-31T18:23:00.002+02:00

The Irrepressibles is a 10-member strong orchestral ensemble that does a brand of melancolic dream pop. Mirror Mirror has just been released and borrows a little bit from Anthony & The Johnsons or even David Bowie.

It's obvioulsy very grand and dramatic but ever so pretty

Here is their single 'In This Shirt'

The Postal Service : "Such Great Heights"

2010-03-20T17:37:00.002+01:00

I've had enough of Owl City. Their song is played over and over again everywhere. It's not that it's a bad song, as far as pop goes, it's even actually good. No, it's just that every single time I hear their Firefly I think of The Postal Service and I remember that they have NO intention of giving us another records and it makes me sad.

The Postal Service is Death Gab For Cutie singer Ben Gibbard and Headset producer Jimmy Tamborello. In 2003, they released a wonderful album titled Give Up on Sub Pop.

Lead single was "Such Great Heights"

and just because it's sunny today:

Come back The Postal Service, pretty please....

Laura Marling new album streaming

2010-03-15T13:39:00.002+01:00

Laura's new album I speak Because I can will be released next week but today you can listen to it in full on The Times Online by clicking HERE
I remember listening to 'Hope In The Air" when she last played in A'pen and loving it, it's still one of the strongest tracks on the album.

She's playing at the Botanique on April 6th, get a ticket whist they are available, she's just great live!

Here's the first single : "The Devil's Sopke"

Laura Marling 'Devils Spoke' from Ben Magahy on Vimeo.

Darwin Deez 'Radar Detector'

2010-03-12T12:12:00.002+01:00

25 yr old New Yorker Darwin Deez loves wearing daft sweaters and dancing. He also can hold a tune and makes lovely pop songs, you know those kooky songs that stay in your head and make you smile for the day? yeah, those ones.
His self titled debut album will be released in Belgium in May and he'll pop by Brussels on April 22nd for a show at the BOTA

WARNING: do no try and replicate those dance moves at home without medics nearby.

R.I.P Mark Linkous

2010-03-08T11:39:00.002+01:00

Woaw when I woke up to the news of his death yesterday morning it was like being punched on the face. He's the third gifted musician to pass away in 2010 afetr Chesnutt and Reatard and it's just too much.
He was also the very good friend of someone who's dear to me and eventhough I never met him I felt like I did. He has left behind many good albums and was working on the next Sparklehouse installment at the time of his death.
Time to have a look at his discography:

Vivadixiesubmarinetransmissionplot (1995)
Good Morning Spider (1998)
It's a Wonderful Life (2001)
Dreamt for Light Years in the Belly of a Mountain (2006)^[5]
Dark Night of the Soul (with Danger Mouse) (2009)
In the Fishtank (with Fennesz) (September 2009)

This is one of my favourite songs of his (from the " Good Morning Spider album') and quite apt:

Goodbye Mark, and thanks for the tunes

James Levy " Except"

2010-03-04T11:31:00.004+01:00

I was really surprised yesterday to see James Levy play just before Turner Cody in this little theatre in Brussels. I met James 5 years ago when he released his first album ' Rotten Love' on One Little Indian and I worked on his UK tour. It's a fine album with 3 VERY good songs [ "On the Dancefloor", " Wednesday" and the title -track] Last night, his music was completely stripped bare with him and his acoustic guitar on stage but it worked and it gave to some of his songs an extra dimension.

He's got a new album out 'Blood Red Rose' you can find out more about him on his myspace.

Gonjasufi 'Ancestors'

2010-03-01T12:20:00.002+01:00

New signing on Warp Gonjasufi has the sort of voice that tells a million stories. To release his first album 'A Sufi and A Killer" Gonjasufi got help from The Gaslamp Killer, Mainframe and Flying Lotus but his voice and his delivery remain the focal point of the album. There is definitely an enigmatic and mystical atmosphere on the couple of tracks I've heard so far and it really works in transporting the listener to new musical landscapes.What a treat!

The beats and other electro & hip hop ingredients don't override the eastern influences and coarseness of the compositions, the result being quite psychedelic.

For your hearing pleasure:

His website sufisays.com

Shearwater "Hidden Lakes"

2010-02-26T10:19:00.002+01:00

In March, the texan band will release their 6th album The Golden Archipelago, it is te last chapter of the band tryptich of albums that started with Palo Santo and continued with Rook in 2008. The band'singer Jonathan Meiburg is a graduate in ornythology and these album focuses heavily on the impact of human beings on the environment.

I haven't heard the full album yet but the few songs available reveal a richness of sound that creates a dreamy atmopshere, with Meiburg's distinctive voice adding pathos to the proceedings. The result is really really pretty :

The band's website is HERE

Their full discography:

Turner Cody "Nobody Like You"

2010-02-24T00:00:00.002+01:00

He's playing in Liege tomorrow and in Brussels on March 3rd. He's fab so get a ticket and check him out.

This is a sweet and silly video, the music ain't bad either!

all info HERE

Pantha Du Prince : "Bohemian Forest"

2010-02-22T12:05:00.004+01:00

How about some romantic techno on this Monday morning. Yes, yes, electronic music can also be elegant and emotive. Come forward Hendrik Weber, the German producer who hides behind the Pantha Du Prince moniker.
He started his career in 2002, with a first album that followed 2 years later. Add to that CV many acclaimed remixes before the release of This Bliss in 2007.

This year, his new output Black Noise intends on showing us that music exists everywhere. According to the press release, Weber thinks the role of the musician is to "render audible what is unheard"
What a programme! On a CD it sounds like this:

More on his Myspace

I Was A King - " So Shy"

2010-02-16T11:50:00.003+01:00

I saw I Was A King at Eurosonic last month and liked their gig. I got the CD, their first self-titled album. It's very pretty, melodic yet energic and filled with sugarysweet fuzzy pop but it didn't grab me as much as the live show. As a first effort, it certainly isn't bad, it also contains a lot of good ideas but it lacks a little ' je ne sais quoi' to make it a really good record. It's one of those 6/10 albums: some lovely songs but a tad indigest over the course of 15 tracks. In a way it reminded me a bit of a less inspired Jonny Polonsky, who released a fabulous album filled with power pop short songs 'Hi, My name is Jonny' back in '96

Nonetheless, this Norwegian dua has a lot of potential and undeniable talent so here's a live accoustic session they gave a few months ago.

For the powered up versions, it's here

On this note, I'll listen to Polonsky's album

Tom McRae : "Out Of The Walls"

2010-02-11T11:49:00.002+01:00

Mister Mc Rae has given us many a great song over the years. He has debatable taste in football but we'll overlook that fact and concentrate on his music.
The Alphabet of Hurricanes is his 5th studio album and it will be released in Belgium on February 22nd.

Here's the first single :

Tom Mac Rae will be playing live in Belgium at the Botanique on March 24th. If you've never seen him on stage, you've missed something. The fragile atmosphere of his compositions and the general melancholy and sadness of the songs are interrupted by McRae's banters, jokes and chit-chat [ and boy does he like to talk]
It works really well because when he sings again he just takes you off guard over and over again and you're really touched by his music.
Yup football aside, he's a pretty clever and talented chap. Oh and he's had a minor hit in Belgium a few years ago, well that's what he says on his Live album [2007]

If you're on Twitter, follow his grumpiness on @tommcrae

For his full catalogue:

Here is his WEBSITE to get to know the guy a bit better

Richard Hawley 'Open Up Your Door'

2010-02-11T00:52:00.002+01:00

Just because his gig last night in Brugge was absolutely beautiful. His voice is even better live and it was just great from start to finish.
If you have no album of his yet, go and get Truelove Gutter ot Cole's Corner...

The Hagen Dazs video that uses this song is so cute too.

Efterklang " Modern Drift"

2010-02-09T13:06:00.002+01:00

Efterklang is more like a troupe, next to the four core members, there's about 9 musicians on stage. Although for their last output "Performing Parades" they were also joined by the Danish National Chamber Orchestra.

The Danish band is back this February with a 7th release " Magic Chairs" that will be out on cult label 4AD.

Lovely sweet pop with that scandinavian twist.

Tonight Richard Hawley plays in Brugge, I hope to see some of you there!

Best Coast "When I'm With You"

2010-02-04T10:16:00.003+01:00

With this grey weather, we all need some sunshine-fueled indie pop in our ears.
Here comes Best Coast. It's Beth Consentino's moniker and she likes to sing about the summer and being lazy, probably easier to do when you live in LA...

Its pure indie pop, short simple songs that go straight to the point and just make you feel good about life.[BTW bravo to Khole7 for a fabulous sync.]

She recently released a 7" Black Iris on which you can find this "When I'm With you"

The Bear That Wasn't: " Ballad of Two Raindrops"

2010-02-03T13:03:00.002+01:00

Nils Verresen is The Bear That Wasn't. He has started a funny project: he has found 365 people who have agreed to lodge him for a night in exchange for an intimate gig in their home. He's been travelling through Belgium since October and will will continue his journey for the remaing months of the year.
During that time he will release his first album And So It's Morning Dew.
He's a nice boy that Bear, he sings sweet melodies in a voice that gently grabs you by the arm and gives you cuddles.
After The Bony King of Nowhere and Isbells it sounds like Belgium is home to a few very good singer-songwriters at the moment.

It's not a great quality video but at least it will give you an idea of The Bear That Wasn't's repertoire during one of his 'A song for a bed' evening.

For a more professiona gig, head to Le Botanique on March 19th.

For more info, you can also check his website where he blogs about his adventures

Tindersticks 'Tiny Tear'

2010-02-02T11:45:00.002+01:00

In March, Tindersticks will release 'Falling Down A Mountain' Their 8th album since they started in '92.
Strangely enough for Stuart Staple's band this record is fairly uplifting, well compared to what they've done in the past that is. Still, it's joyous enough. I have not played it enough times yet to have a favourite track but I've always had a soft spot for their "Tiny Tears".
A lovely song from the "Nenette et Boni" soundtrack in 1996, it appeared on an Island Records compilation I got back, which probably was the first time I sat and listened to Tindersticks. I've followed them since.

So here's to a band that has thrived to create quality music over the years.

They'll play the new album live at the Cirque Royal on May 13th, it'll be a treat, mark my words

Hot Chip: 'I Feel Better'

2010-01-29T13:33:00.002+01:00

I'm obsessed with this song, I can't stop playing it loud and dance around in my office, loosing myself in the music. I'd love for a singer-songwriter to cover Hot Chip, their lyrics are always soooo sweet and romantic, I'm sure the result would be brilliant!

Anyway, it's Friday night so turn the volume up to 11, let yourself go and Just Dance

Have a nice weekend x

All work and no play makes Sophie a dull blogger

2010-01-28T12:36:00.002+01:00

Many apologies, work has been taking much of my time and I've neglected the blog a little bit. Another thing is that although I have a HUGE pile of CDs to go though I've only been listening to 2 albums this week. The fantastic 'One Life Stand' by Hot Chip and 'Hidden' By These New Puritans.

I already liked their first album eventhough it was pretty obtuse and hermetic, something in these kids' attitude got me interested. It was with great anticipation that I put their new CD on my player and boy was I in for a treat. I had to play it 3 times in a row to make sure I wasn't dreaming. I LOVE the way it makes me feel about music: it's so clever, so forward-thinking, so different and delivered with aplomb...I had goosebumps and felt like in a trance. It's quite rare nowadays for me to have such a physical response to music so I really wanted to share it with you.

'Hidden' is not to everybody's taste but those who unlock its doors will be pleasantly rewarded. From the shamanic drums to the brass sections the album twists and turns seamlessly into many musical territories... there is plenty to be surprised and enchanted by in these 11 tracks.

Here's the first track that was released at the end of 2009, just because it's epic and translates the mood of the album brilliantly.
These New Puritans 'We Want War'

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The Boy Who Trapped The Sun 'Home'

2010-01-25T12:38:00.004+01:00

What's in a name...Looking at a list of new talents 'The Boy Who Trapped The Sun' kinda caught my eyes, it promised melancholy and poetry. And guess what, it delivers. I don't know yet what his real name is, but he hails from the Isle Of Lewis, in the North West of Scotland. Very cold indeed!

So onto his music then, it reminds me a little bit of a cross between Ed Harcourt and Gravenhurst. He plays all the instruments by himself and has an Ep out in March. The track title 'Home' is below

For more info and more tracks, head for his myspace

Eels 'The Beginning'

2010-01-22T13:06:00.003+01:00

End Times, the new album by Eels is beautifully bleak. E wrote and produced the album on his own and it's one of his best efforts yet with lyrics as sharp as they're sad observations on the end of love affairs and aging...

See the album's opener "The Beginning" as a case in point

the rest of the album is on streaming there but go and buy the actual CD there are many more cold nights to go before the spring.

Black Box Recorder 'Child Psychology'

2010-01-19T00:38:00.002+01:00

I'm so excited! Black Box Recorder are recording a new album. Hurrah!
Their first 2 albums England Made Me and Facts Of Life are sublime, they released a 3rd one 'Passionoia' in 2003 before going on a hyatus.

BBR are Luke Haines, John Moore and Sarah Nixey. Their pretty, slightly romantic melodies are in starch contrast with the bleak and sharp lyrics.

Child Psychology is one of my favourites tracks ever, the chorus being pure genius.I rememeber the first time I heard it at my friend Michelle's flat in London back in 98.

Joe Worricker

2010-01-17T15:01:00.003+01:00

One of my highlights from Eurosonic has to be the voice of Joe Worricker. He is still very young, awkward and at his infancy in terms of career but WHAT.A.VOICE!

He has been signed by Rough Trade and is starting to sing live with just an acoustic guitar for support.
There are no youtube clips of his yet, but this one song which is very different from his own material but it will give you an idea of what he's capable of.

and check our his myspace for more info and music. You'll hear about him in the future, of that I'm sure!

until next week

2010-01-15T15:20:00.003+01:00

Many apologies for the lack of updates this week. I'been away and am still in Groningen in Holland for Eurosonic.

We'll go back to normal on Monday but in the meantime here's Laura Marling's latest single 'Goodbye England' It will feature on her next album 'I Speak Because I Can ' which should be in the shops in the coming months. [March 22nd in the UK]

She worked with Ryan Adams and Elton John on this 2nd album.

This is a live version she gave to the BBC

First Aid Kit "Hard Believer"

2010-01-12T11:25:00.002+01:00

Sisters Johanna and Klara Söderberg launched their carreer in 2008 at the tender age of 15 and 18 yrs old respectively. They grew up ( well are still growing up) in a Stockholm suburb.
If there is a sweetness in the music they make it's also pallatably 'mature', sometimes freakingly so ( like when they sing about an old couple and his infidelities).
They shot to fame thanks to their cover of Fleet Foxes ' Tiger Mountain, then released a EP titled Drunken Trees and now in 2010, their first full album The Big Black And Blue will be released this month on Witchita.

Here's their latest single:

For their myspace: it's here

Alan Pownall "Take Me"

2010-01-11T11:58:00.000+01:00

I owed it to you all to add a male singer. To be honest the jury's still out on Pownall as far as I'm concerned. At first listen I thought he was another Jason Mraz as his music is a little too middle of the road for me.

However I stuck with him, just because he's mate with all the cool kids from the London folk scene. Adele is the one who gave him his big break by inviting him to open for her after hearing what he does on his myspace page...and I'll admit that I'm starting to like him. Anyway, here's his latest song "Take Me" so you can make up your own mind

After many labels chased him up, he finaly signed for Mercury and he's currently writing his first album which should be out in the spring.
I'm pretty sure you'll hear him everywhere on the radio and TV so be prepared

Warpaint "Elephants"

2010-01-10T14:36:00.000+01:00

Thank you to @francoish for today's entry.
Warpaint is a quatuor from LA and a firm favourite amongst the trendy types over there. Their first album Equisite Corpse was produced by John Frusciante of RHCP fame.
The band is formed by 3 female singers ( 2 guitar players and a bassist) whilst the sole man in Warpaint sits behind he drums.
There's only 6 tracks on the album but they're amazingly well balanced and the prevailing atmosphere is very special indeed. Have a listen and a look:

They're currently recording a LP with producer Tom Biller ( he worked with Beck and The Liars) which should be released by Rough Trade later this year.

"Billie Holiday", is probably my favourite track of theirs, it reminds me a little bit of some early Cat Power, with maybe some drops of Coco Rosie and a bit of The Cure for good measure. Very pretty!

Sophie Hunger

2010-01-07T15:45:00.000+01:00

3rd day in row that I post a female singer. It got me thinking but there are so many of them at the moment and a lot are being pushed as 'hot tips' for 2010...I wonder why

Anyway, direction Switzerland today to meet Sophie Hunger [real name Émilie Jeanne-Sophie Welti Hunger]
This young lady plays the guitar and piano and she sings in her native Swiss dialect, German or English.
She has 2 albus to her name Sketeches On Sea (06) and Monday's Ghost (09). She is also playing at Eurosonic next week. I don't know much about her to be honest but I've liked everything I've heard from her. The press has generally written kindly about her

Ellie Goulding 'Guns & Horses'

2010-01-06T21:21:00.000+01:00

Another young lady destined to great things in 2010. Ellie Goulding is Welsh and 23 years old. She plays a poppy folktronica and her first album 'Lights' will be released in the Uk in March.

She has toured with Little Botts, sang on a Passion Pit remix and she has played live on Later With Jools Holland

She was also part of the BBC sound of 2010 list so be prepared to hear her sing through the next 12 months.She's playing at Eurosonic next week in Groningen, I'll try to check her live and will report back.

As always if you want to know more---> it's HERE

Holly Miranda 'Sleep On Fire'

2010-01-05T13:10:00.000+01:00

Miss Miranda has toured with the XX in Europe and is now traveling with Tegan & Sara [ A european tour is also planned]. Later this months she will open for Vampire Weekend in her home town of New York. Not bad and I'm pretty sure she'll soon headline her own shows. Her first album The Magician's Private Library will be out on XL recordings at the end of February.

It's difficult to find good quality footage at this stage but this acoustic version isn't bad and can give you an idea of the talent she has to offer. [ Having heard the album I can tell you it's brilliant!]

for more music and info check out her myspace

Here's to new exciting music in 2010!

2009 - Top tracks, part 2

2010-01-01T22:12:00.000+01:00

Let's venture into the electro & rock worlds, just for today...

**Hot Chip: Take it In**

**AuroKratz: Always More**

**The Big Pink: Velvet**

** Yeah Yeah Yeah's: Heads Will Roll**

2009 - Top tracks

2009-12-30T10:55:00.000+01:00

For me 2009 has been more about individual tracks than full albums, it's probably to be expected with the download era. Yet, I love Long Players and it frustrates me a little bit when a band is capable of creating a peach of a song only to fail to write 10 decents tracks. Anyhow here are some of my favorites songs of the past 12 months:

**Eels: That Look You Give That Guy**

Eels came back in sinister form this year with Hombre Lobo: 12 songs about desire. This first single is deffinitely one of the best songs written this year: the lyrics, the music, E's voice, everything is perfect and fits with the other elements seamlessly.Unrequited love has never sounded so...sexy

**Jack Penate: Tonight's The Day**

**Bony King Of Nowhere: The Sunset**

**Andrew Bird: The Giant of Illinois**

If we talk about 2009, I have to mention Dark Was The Night, the best compilation of the year. A double CD filled with probably the best indie artists around doing covers, collaborations etc... As is always the case with such work, it's a little bit hit and miss but even its worse moments are worthy of some admiration.

And I just LOVE Andrew bird's cover of 'The Giant Of Illinois'

**Death Cab For Cutie: I Will Possess Your Heart**

I know I know, it's from 2008 but I bend the rules, ok? Thing is I listened to this song non stop from January until about May so to me it's on my 2009 soundtrack...come on allow me this one...pretty please?
The long version is just amazing with the slow progression on the intro and then the bittersweet, slightly stalkerish lyrics kick in, once against the balance is right between every element

2009: Top albums, part 2

2009-12-29T11:24:00.000+01:00

Here we go again, we are back for part 2, probably filled with albums already mentioned by many a critic. I love thinking independently and disagree with the general opinion but some albums were just excellent and appreciated by the (relative) masses. And I refuse to compromise just for the sake of being different :-)

**The Horrors: Primary Colours**

I'll admit it, I liked The Horrors before, I remember their punky set at Dour many moons ago, I thought they were fantastic! I was therefore excited to hear their new material. I remember as well hearing the first 20 seconds of Sea Within a Sea and thinking 'OH MY GOD this is going to be one hell of record' I hoped the rest of the LP would reach the heights of that track and it did. I totally agree with Mike Diver when he said Primary Colours was "wholly worth all the hype that's attracted to its unexpected brilliance."

**The Arctic Monkeys: Humbug**

We're so accustomed to hearing great quality music from the Sheffield Boys that an excellent album without filler or false note seems a given, we don't even feel like acknowledging it.
Humbug is a superb album, Turner has learned to pose his voice in a more menacing way and his lyrics are as sharp as ever. It's been a steady learning process for the Monkeys and with each album they go a step further. I can't find any fault in Humbug and I get much pleasure hearing it over and over again.
My favourite track is probably the opening one: My Propeller

**The XX: XX**

Sometimes the hype has good reasons behind it, I feel it's the case for The XX, subtle music that improves with every listen. I have no idea how they'll top that on their next output but for now I'll keep playing that CD for months and years to come.

**Danger Mouse & Sparklehorse present: Dark Night Of The Soul **

Musically, nothing upset me more than the non-physical release of that masterpiece. Dammit EMI, sort it out! I love it when an album manages to be different from the rest by creating its own little world. The songs are different from each other in style [and by the presence of many guest musicians] but yet they manage to create a body of work homogenous and exciting!
You can find MP3 streaming online and download the album for free, which is what Danger Mouse intended when the actual release was aborted so fo once go and download Dark Night Of The Soul, your life will be better for it.
Everytime I'm With you, with Jason Lytle

**Phoenix: Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix**

This is probably the album I've listened to the most since its release. There have been many times when I played Lisztomania or 1901 loudly in my flat to just jump up and down or when I was doing chores, feelgood music and after all, that what's it's all about: pleasure!
Phoenix have given me lots of pleasure on CD or live over the years and with W.A.P. they were back in great pop spirit, just writing about it makes me smile

**the runners-up**

I can't decide which of the other contenders to choose so here's their names:

Fever Ray: Fever Ray
Blakroc: Blakroc
Jamie T: Kings & Queens
Soulsavers: Broken

For the next 2 days, I'll compile some of my favourite singles of the year.

2009 - Top albums

2009-12-28T11:53:00.000+01:00

I hope you all had a great Christmas!
It's that time of the year when we all make lists of our best and worse moments of the past 12 months. An exercise often done in the cultural fields so I'll comply and give you my best albums of 2009. Obviously, nobody else will agree with that choice so we'll have to agree to disagree on that one or start a great banter about music [we all love those]

In no particlar order, and most of my highlights have been present in this blog on way or the other:

**Wild Beast: "Two Dancers"**

Lovely balance between the voices, great songs and generally a very original album with slight touches of camp that make the whole experience not as pretentious as it could easily have been.
There's a chance tat most of you will hate Hayden Thorpe's falsetto, but if you dig it then this album will reveal itself as a very modern and flamboyant indie rock album.

**Soap& Skin: Lovetune For Vacuum**

Oh my, when I first heard 'Spiracle' at the end of last winter I was smitten straight away, the full album didn't disappoint either. It's not for the faint hearted, 19 yr Anja sings about pain like no-one else. Her noire atmosphere and depressing piano haunted by touches of electronica form an exquisite foil for her voice, a voice that betrays a fragile and probably excentric persona.
Again, I think her work is very original and in my opinion she has the talent to become an artist as venerated and personal as PJ harvey in years to come.

**Noah & The Whale: The First Days of Spring**

This one is a late comer on the list. At first listen I thought 'yeah, pretty record' but then it's a grower of an album, after a few listens I became enthralled in its world. The lyrics are touching and the delivery worthy or old alt-country masters like Oldham or Callahan. Charlie Fink is fast becoming a fine singer and the music is dreamier than on its predecessor, on the opening tracks it's nearly Sigur Ros-esque. It's a post break-up album and we all know what it's like, yet they manage to express the whole range of emotion in 11 well crafted songs. It won't change the world, but this ia lovely album, well made, full of sentiments that will stand the test of time.

**Richard Hawley: Truelove Gutter**

I opened this blog with Mr Hawley and yeah I'm a sucker for that type of music so he has to be in my top albums of the year. He doesn't take any risks on this album but he keeps on improving his recipe which is fine by me. I can't even explain the why and how, it speaks to me and it touches me.

the rest tomorrow kids

Fairytale of New York

2009-12-23T16:10:00.000+01:00

You have to hand it to the BBC, they really do try to be creative and bring quality entertainment to their audience. This year they've asked two of the most hyped female singer in the country to sing Xmas classic "Fairytale of New York", depiste the results, the initiative is to be applauded

First stop: Florence Welch of Flor & The Machine fame with none other than Billy Bragg

I'm not a big Florence fan and it doesn't exactly win me over, it lacks the tension, what do you think?

Next Paloma Faith with the singer from Scouting For Girls. Incidentally, Faith first got noticed for her track "It's Christmas (and I hate you)". The 24 yr old Londoner has an album to her name rel earlier this year.
As mentioned before, I find the 'look at me I'm soooo crazy' stick rather tiresome, but here goes nothing

Oh this is a bit depressing... let's listen to the original by The Pogues & Kirsty McColl [1987] and forget those meh! covers

It's more like it!

Erland Oye "Last Christmas"

2009-12-22T10:45:00.000+01:00

Ha Norway! Great Country and great music. One of the most prolific Norwegian artist is probablly Erland Oye.
We got to know him thanks to his delicate project Kings Of Convenience and more recently The Whitest Boy Alive.
To me, Oye represents soothing sounds and calming melodies, even in his more electronic ventures. It was only fitting for him to reprise Wham!'s Last Christmas and give the song some pathos.

Tom Waits: 'Christmas Card from a Hooker in Minneapolis'

2009-12-21T12:55:00.000+01:00

The next few days we'll have a look at some Xmas covers or roiginal as performed by some interesting artits, you know, to get in the mood for Christmas.

Today, one of the best and most versatile artist ever in my opinion, mister Tom Waits. His Christmas Car From A hooker in Minneapolis is now a classic and what a classy way to start our countdown until the big day.

Enjoy the holidays, drink plenty of Eggnog and have a wonderful Christmas!

Bonnie 'Prince' Billy : Death To Everyone

2009-12-18T20:58:00.000+01:00

Last post of the week [thanks for the reminder, Alain] is dedicated to mister Will Oldham aka Bonnie 'Prince' Billy, aka, Palace Brothers, aka Palace...

He has been known since the early 90s for a sort of punk attitude within the Americana and folk genres. Who else would write such lyrics as 'She is a fine looking lady and she likes to go down on me and I like to down on her too" ['A King at Night' on Ease Down The Road, 2001]

Here's one of my favourite tracks of his in his usual witty and tongue-in-cheek style...

Earlier this year he released a 17th album 'BEWARE'
To know more about this amazing musician and all his albums and projects, try his website

Portishead ' Chase The Tear"

2009-12-17T16:02:00.000+01:00

Tis the season of goodwill and all so here's the video from the new Portishead, go and buy the download and the money goes to Amnesty International.

I don't need to tell you anything about the band, you probably already know everything there is to know!

Be careful in the snow, now

Angus & Julia Stone "And The Boys"

2009-12-16T13:19:00.000+01:00

Today it's snowing a bit so let's go and warm ourselves up in Australia with the siblings Stone. Angus & Julia started their carreer in their natal Sidney in 2006 with the relesea of a first EP "chocolates and cigarettes"
before delivering a lovely first album "A Book Like This" a year later.

Their music is just lovely pop folk, as mister @Francoish will attest. So to please him and you here's their new single which will feature on their forthcoming album "Down The Way" to be releaes in 2010.

Stay warm kids!

Beth Jeans Houghton "Golden"

2009-12-15T18:52:00.001+01:00

oooh that song has a sort of christmassy melody with the harmonies and little bells...it's also warm and feels familiar, like an old friend.
Prefect to stay inside in this cold, cold weather.

Beth Jeans Houghton is a new artist on the scene, she has 2 EPs and a single to her name. The Observer Music Monthly mentionned her with trepidation back in July.
Let's see what she does in the future but in the meantime, we have this joyful 'Golden' to whet our appetites

Bill Callahan " My Friend"

2009-12-14T11:55:00.000+01:00

Bill Callahan, also known as Smog, has been making lo-fi music since 1990. He has a very distinctive voice, deep yet somewhat cold. He has released 11 albums under the Smog moniker and 2 as Bill Callahan.
I completely fell in love with his Red Apple Falls album in 97, with his "Dress Sexy At My Funeral" song in 2000, and have always been touched by his music, consitently good, simple musical structure with thought-provoking lyrics.

I'm ashamed to say that I missed his last album: Sometimes I Wish We Were An Eagle but it's still streaming on youtube so here a track called "My Friend"

Now if you like him and don't know much about him, you've got some catching up to do!
Here's his full discography, ready?

As Smog

And As Bill Callahan:

Woke on a Whaleheart (2007)
Sometimes I Wish We Were an Eagle (2009)

More info HERE

Labradford '5'

2009-12-11T12:05:00.000+01:00

Back in the archives today withe the ever so atmospheric Labradford. This trio is from Virginia and existed from 1992 until 2001, releasing 6 albums.
Musically, it's a sort of quiet post rock, mostly instrumental with drips of drone rock and veering into ambiant.
Perfect foil for a cosy evening at home, try it and you won't regret it.
Their most acclaimed albums are the last 3: 'Mi Media Naranja [1998], 'E Luxo So' [1999] and 'Fixed::Context' [2001]

Here is '5' which features on 'E Luxo So', 7 minutes of peace, quiet and reverie...

Have a great weekend

A Grave With No Name: 'The Underpass'

2009-12-10T13:22:00.000+01:00

I read about A Grave With No Name on the Clash website and it made me want to check them out.

Their album is called Mountain Debris and their music is kinda dreamy and woozy with a guitar edge and it sounds like this:

I don't know much about them apart from the fact that they're from the uk and there's 3 of them in the band. It's a start, right?

Their Myspace is here

Blakroc ' Coochie'

2009-12-09T16:20:00.000+01:00

When I started this blog, I wanted to share some tracks, mainly the softer tones of singer songwriters who don't get that much airplay anymore. However rules have to be broken now and again.
It's the case today because this track truly blew me away.
I've always loved the blues rock of duo The Black Keys and when I heard they were teaming up with Damon Dash and some of the best US hip hop artists for the Blakroc project I wasn't sure what to expect...

I got the album 2 days ago and it has barely left my stereo...in a word WAOW!
Forget 'Walk This Way' or anything Linkin Park have ever done, Hip hop and rock CAN work together.

'Coochie' packs a tune with the voice of ODB and Ludacris

Play it as loud as you can and let the groove do the rest

Back to normal tomorrow guys!

Fuck 'Monkey Doll'

2009-12-08T11:09:00.000+01:00

For some reason yesterday's song made me listen to my old Fuck CDs. There is something in their music that just makes me go through all the spectrum of feelings in 40 minutes.
I saw them live a couple of times back in the days and it was just the same. Short songs that don't overstay their welcome, simple melodies with a bric-a-brac side, sweet voices and then bursts of fury before calming down again and cuddling the listener with a cheeky grin, all very child-like.

The band met in California, in a police holding cell. They wrote a couple of songs and the rest is history. According to their website they're still together but there is not much activity at the moment.

Pardon my French (1997) and Conduct (1998) are my favourite albums. Obviously because of their silly name it's very difficult to find anything online about this band. I wish I could have found a version of 'Drinking Artist' which would be in my top 10 tracks of all time (Never Comin' Back would maybe make that list too).
After many searches I managed to find this 'Monkey Doll' video from Conduct, an album you should get if you don't know it yet, playful, yet full of emotions.

Their discography

* Fuck (cassette) - Rhesus - 1994
* Pretty...Slow - Rhesus - 1996
* Baby Loves a Funny Bunny - Rhesus - 1996
* Pardon My French - Matador - 1997
* Conduct (CD) - Matador - 1998
* Cupid's Cactus - Smells Like Records - 2001
* Gold Bricks - Homesleep Records - 2001
* Those Are Not My Bongos - Homesleep Records - 2003

and their official site is HERE

Cymbals Eat Guitars ' What Dogs see'

2009-12-07T10:24:00.000+01:00

Cymbals Eat Guitars is a quatuor from New York. Indie press Pitchfork got an instant hard on for them including the band in their best new act category. Their first album Why There Are Mountains was released in the spring. During its quieter moments, it sounds like this: