Box Set Go

BoxSetGo - The Year That Was...Part 2

2009-12-19T15:42:51.118Z

As I type I am on the wrong end of a bottle of Chilean red, yesterday I watched my brother get married to the love of his life and I fumbled my way through a speech questioning his sexuality and parentage. One thing that struck me during the wedding was just how emotional I was, I was never like that when I was younger – what the hell happened to you to make you react so emotively to things. It’s not just major event like Births, Death and Marriages – music means more to me that it ever did in my youth, I listen to tracks written and performed by 19 year olds and they still are relevant to my mindset which leaves me wondering just how much have I grown up – yes I understand interest rates and the impact of an inflationary rise but I have an apathy for them for they don’t induce the feelings I want to feel – for this I turn to sound and vision...my two best friends in the world. Last mix of the year folks going to take a few weeks off to cry over a re-watched Boxset of Band Of Brothers...Delphic – CounterpointWhat a debut single!!! – remember the days when a band’s debut got you excited well those days have returned. My brother turned me onto this back in April and it has remained a permanent fixture on my stereo ever since. Melody mixed with beautiful synth lines remind you of New Order at their peak which can’t be a band thing...Klum – Bashing For The KidsI think someone sent this to me by e-mail, I listened and really enjoyed it on the first few listens by the time I reached a dozen I loved it. A great dual vocal track that moves with pace and courage and those loud bits really do send shivers down your spine – proper music played by a proper band.Gloomy Monday Morning – The Black HolliesIf you are not pouting and nodding your head after 10 seconds you are dead...a modern pop masterpiece that could have been written in 1966 by the Small Faces..essential!The Rake’s Song – The DecemberistsI have never heard a more disturbing song in my entire life – it gets by you as it is so catchy but listen to the story – for me the Decembrists’ are the David Lynch of the music world you may not like them or agree with their style but Christ they are essentialSay Yes – Langhorne SlimTime to cheer up here – a perfect little pop tune that is recognisable within 30 seconds and you’ll be singing along before the song is over. It’s positive to it’s very core and it’s all the better for it – life is ok after hearing this tune...Friend – The Sleepover DisasterDo you like Catherine Wheel during the early EPs and Ferment period? If the answer is yes then sit back relax and enjoy The Sleepover Disaster – it could be “Flower To Hide 2009 Version” – by the way this is high praise from me as it takes the most important parts of early Shoegaze melody and passion and combines them to perfection.Wandering Foot - The FlingJust brilliant- think Beatles/Badfinger and you get the idea. Trust me you will like this song – you may sit like me know trying to name influences which is fun but regardless The Fling are a band to watch and anyone capable of making this sound deserves you attention.Back Down – It Hugs BackIt’s just perfect – that guitar line is so familiar – it feels like a friend. Just a beautiful noise that is easy on the ears and easy on the facial lines...they have a free Christmas EP on their website which is certainly worth gettingMorning Light – GirlsHeavy Sonic Youth sound blasts forth and entrances you – a perfect example in “Less Is More” at just over 2.5 minutes the track is lean mean and fighting fit. It sounds like a track I would have worshipped in 1990, 19 years later I think I still do – a brilliant song from a brilliant band.Kingdom Of Rust – DovesAnd to think I wasn’t even going to buy this album – then I heard “Kingdom Of Rust” – suddenly I couldn’t wait for it to be released. A band that never fail to impress I was wrong to doubt them – they turned up another brilliant album and this track is up there with “Cedar Room” as one of [...]

BoxSetGo 2009 - The Year That Was...

2010-01-04T23:03:48.696Z

I just realised that I have been doing this blog for 2.5 years; I never really figured it would last much longer than a few weeks. It never ceases to amaze me how people still seem to find it from places I can only dream of visiting yet a connection is made, now it’s nothing big or clever on my part the connection seems to be the music featured – it’s the same music that you thought you were alone in loving and yet discovered that not only were you not but that you still had so much more to discover and learn from your peers. It’s for this selfish reason that I thank all of you who kindly leave comments or take time out of your days to write an e-mail – each and everyone is greatly received and on occasion gives my lazy will the fuel to carry on with BoxSetGo...hopefully for a while longer though my ideas are running thin on the ground...So, we come to 2009 and the end of year mix from BoxSetGo – you have no idea how manic I have become about this compilation – I have had a set list in place since September – this has gone 20,000 chances in the last few weeks painfully removing tracks only to put them back in again...looking at the mix you’ll probably wonder why such dilemmas – my simple answer is I have no idea...I do hope you enjoy it though....GBullets – ArchiveA complete bombastic tour de force record from Archive – pulsating rhythms layer themselves on top of each other while the lyrics proclaim “bullets are the beauty of a blistering sky”. I heard this back in March and was completely blown away – listen to it again and again and bang your head to the sounds of violence...Melectric – Ramona FallsFrom the savagery of Archive comes unbridled beauty in the shape of Ramona Falls – “Melectric” is one of the purest tracks I heard this year. Constructed gently and carefully there is not a note wasted in its tapestry – simply tear inducing brilliance. Coast Of Carolina – Telekinesis Power Pop time with Telekinesis, what a great sound produced by the Seattle band – it’s simple in its 3 chord structure and yet it still utilises all of its 3.5 minutes and fills them bigger than a stadium. As a tune it is flawless rising and falling in perfect time – a track with a great chorus and uplifting middle eight – what music is all about?Yours Truly, The Commuter – Jason LyttleAnyone who every listened to “The Sophtware Slump” by Grandaddy will testify that it is a masterpiece. Jason Lyttle was that singer whose voice caused you to cry over drunken robots and now he’s back and solo though still inducing tears with melodies that ELO would have killed to get their hands on. Go on try not to like it – I’m not sure it’s possible...It’s Thunder And It’s Lightning – We Were Promised JetpacksThis years’ “Frightened Rabbit” heralded the critics which was kinda true as this band produced the best single of the year in “Quiet Little Voices” – However, I have chosen the first track of their superb album “These Four Walls” as it is a master class in dramatic song writing. The Scottish accent just makes the track better again...think “The Twilight Sad with distortion pedals...why does this remind me of James “Sometimes”?The Walls Are Coming Down – FanfarloA fantastic album in “Reservoir” produced so many great tracks however I have chosen the total pop brilliance of “The Walls Are Coming Down” – great instrumentation on this track – I particularly like the mariachi trumpet...a band to watch in the next couple of yearsRoad Meets Sky – The FaunsFuck Me, this was the phrase I kept repeating after hearing just 30 seconds of this track – after just finishing a Shoegaze mix I heard this track which not only better 99% of the original Shoegaze bands but beats them at their own game – this track could have been released in 1991 and would now be a classic... here’s hoping in 18 years it will get its dues. Go buy the album – it’s amazing!Sleet And Snow – My First ToothAlt Country from England thought you wouldn�[...]

A Hanging Whisper [Volume 12] – The Original Shoegaze

2009-11-30T00:07:50.195Z

Well, it’s the final mix in the series – hopefully 12 volumes has pretty much covered the Shoegaze scene from those early sullen days, still I am pretty sure I have missed a few but hopefully haven’t upset too many by my omissions.I was going to write a nice review of the final songs but I went out and played 5 a side football on Friday night (first time in 3 years) and I can barely lift my finger such is the pain in every muscle in my body.��Therefore you will just have to judge it for yourselves folks, though in saying that if you have listened to the previous eleven mixes you should have a good idea what to expect – the wheel has not been reinvented for this one...Hope you enjoy this collection...01.��� Inflammable - Chicane02.��� Torment To Me – Gentle Despite03.��� More Than Friends – The Bigger The God04.��� At The Scene – Shiny Gnomes05.��� So Little Deserve - Heavenly06.��� I Thought You Told Me Everything – 8 Storey Window07.��� All Of A Tremble – St. Christopher08.��� Still Life – Five Thirty09.��� More Like Space - Seefeel10.��� Somersault Sunrise – Blow-Up11.��� Change You Leaving – Feral12.��� Warm Room – Jane Pow13.��� From Here To Who Knows Where – Eva Luna14.��� Violence – Invisible Limits15.��� In Hollow – The BelltowerFin[...]

A Hanging Whisper [Volume 11] – The Original Shoegaze

2009-11-21T18:07:54.323Z

Onto the last couple of mixes in the original Shoegaze series, I took a couple of weeks off there to concentrate on the grown up issues of bringing up children and finding places to live. So, I return to the blog older and wiser and ready to move forward yet again safe in the knowledge that I have fulfilled my life responsibilities albeit rather poorly...I hope you like the start to this one as the Swervedriver Aspidistra one-two is a great example of the heavy sounds of the Shoegaze spectrum and quite timeless in their execution. Ultra Cindys’ “Near Perfect” is just that – a beautiful piece of moody Shoegaze that sounds familiar eve on first listen. I bought “Safe In Heaven Dead EP” by the Starlings one Christmas for my brother – it was in a bargain bin for 20p and I recognised the label Anxious (Curve) so I figured it would bolster up his Christmas present – by Boxing Day I had stolen it back then by Dec 27 he had hit me for stealing it�and reclaimed it – one of the greatest EPs of the 90’s of which “Where Angels Share” is just a perfect crystalline example of its merit - essential.There are few on here that I never really considered Shoegaze however as I have 12 volumes and their sound kinda fits I have included them – take a bow The Sundays, See See Rider, Another Sunny Day and The Clouds – I know after hearing the tracks that you’ll forgive me anyway so why fret. We finish with a beautiful track from Earwig – weighing in at over 10 minutes it shows the movement of Shoegaze into Post Rock territory which would become extremely popular in the 90s and onwards.Hope you enjoy this collection...01. Rave Down - Swervedriver02. Sunrise - Aspidistra03. Near Perfect – Ultra Cindy04. Where Angels Play –The Starlings05. Changing – Bulldozer Crash06. Angel – Sonic Boom07. Get Out Of My Dream – The Clouds08. Sun Less Sea – Half String09. Rio – Another Sunny Day10. She Sings Alone – See See Rider11. And David Seaman... – The Lillies12. Chris R - Swirlies13. Portland Cement Factory at Monolith, California – Cul De Sac14. Medicine – The Sundays15. Every Day Shines - EarwigEleven[...]

A Hanging Whisper [Volume 10] – The Original Shoegaze

2009-11-06T01:10:29.833Z

Do you know I was sit here tonight I find that I am only worrying about one thing and that is the fact that I have no uniform for later life – I mean every time I see an elderly gent he is always dressed in a suit and looking well but this is surely the fact that people are just maintaining the dress of their youth. Now, when I hit 70 (hopefully) am I going to be wearing kicker boots and flares? – It’s a frightening thought and hopefully not but when I think about it is it any worse than being dressed liked I’m at a wedding for my twilight years – if anyone wants to suggest future fashion I would appreciate it as at the minute I need an exit strategy.Now, onto the tunes... I posted “If I Could Shine” on the Juggernaut series and to be honest I would post it on every mix if I had the opportunity such is its overwhelming brilliance. Power of Dreams are not a Shoegaze(y) band at all however Happy Game always reminded me of a tribute to the genre – the layered guitars and the wistful lyrics are beautiful – I have read a thousand times that they never got the acclaim they deserve so here’s 1001 – simply one of the greatest bands you will ever hear in your life.The Suncharms were on Wilde Records (Catherine Wheel) and you can hear a little similarity between the two acts – unfortunately another tragic case in independent history of releasing 2 singles then disappearing into the ether – a great single and one of two that should be remembered.There are a few great “mood” numbers on this mix that really provoke some form of affirmation from the listener – Closedown and Drop give two examples of heavy melodic textures designed to reflect upon. Velocity Girl and The Daisies and Candy Darlings give us straight up layered music that seems probably grander than necessary parts – it’s still magnificent – as is Glaring Surge who have to be heard to be believed.Finally, “ Sing” by Blur – my brother really put me onto Blur with the “She’s So High” 12” and then the subsequent singles which went pretty mainstream – he bought the album "Leisure" and I remember listening to it and enjoying it though only two songs really blew me away “Sing” and “Wear Me Down” – my favourite of the two was “Sing” as it was like the most perfect drone Shoegaze pop song – I used to listen to that track endlessly in my teenage bedroom smoking cigarettes out of open windows thinking about everyone and everything that revolved around me at the time... a few years later I sat in a Dublin cinema and watched a film called “Trainspotting” which moved from being very good to a masterpiece simply because the director was smart enough to see the genius of “Sing”Hope you enjoy...01. If I Could Shine – The Sweetest Ache02. Just Before I Come (Believe Me) – Smashing Orange03. Happy Game – Power Of Dreams04. Sparkle – The Suncharms05. Kaleidoscope – Teenage Filmstars06. Memory – An April March07. Red Oval - Closedown08. Day Spent – The Daisies09. Save My Soul - Drop10. I Don’t Care If You Go – Velocity Girl11. Mooncrash - Besotted12. Surf’s Up - Deardarkhead13. Transparent – Candy Darlings14. Unreleased Dreams – Glaring Surge15. Sing - BlurRepeat[...]

A Hanging Whisper [Volume 9] – The Original Shoegaze

2009-11-01T12:22:27.993Z

It was 11am when I heard the news, typically doubting its validity prompting my messenger four times to deliver the crack of the whip to my brain; realisation then numbness as the mind scatters into a thousand shards and you spend the next few minutes attempting to piece them all back together into some sort of linear narrative. Failure is inevitable so you push the disorientated pieces to the back of your head and proceed back to work and despite the memories raining down like ticker tape. You just want the car to drive to the end of the block but the bloody ticker tape keeps hitting you on the head causing reflections that dance before you then disappear. You hold it together in front of your colleagues as a mixture of machismo and embarrassment help you pretend – keep the playing cards face down – you ring your wife during break – she will sympathise and your love for her will increase tenfold – you will change the subject quickly to familiar ground – the ticker tape will hit – you will suppress....you will suppress...you will suppress...back to work...You will laugh with colleagues – you will feel guilt, you don’t dismiss the guilt you embrace it. You will finish work – you will drive home – you will hear snippets of the music – you will feel guilt at your enjoyment – you are John Glenn again – the car in fronts of you puts on their brake lights...you brake and realise “All Different Things” by Bark Psychosis is a masterpiece at the same time.Dinner is good – kids are OK and conversation turns quickly to your loved ones day – you care but your mind still wanders – you know they know you’re not there but they proceed as it’s important to keep going – if we stop now then we have to confront – you are not ready for that...you call your friend as he will make the trip with you to see the family – you need him - it’s safety in numbers.The journey is quiet – it is shared with your friend – both of you spend most of the trip expelling air from your mouth and silently shake your heads – words are unnecessary - there will be no arguments – no banter or ritual teasing...you notice your car is nearly full of petrol...you feel happy then guilty immediately.Handle turns...glasses steam up with the heat of tea in the kitchen...ignore the people the floor is the only thing you see – you embrace – hands shake you nod to family members whilst muttering “y’alright?” guilt....stupid question...ignore move on...fuck this is hard....guilt...it’s not about you...You don’t speak...nobody speaks... you meet your best friends you can’t look them in the eye...you want everything to be as it was...guilt...you whisper though you have nothing to say... you laugh at a shared past misdemeanour...you feel the stares ...guilt...guilt...the sad face appears again – it’s not hard to find.You leave not because you must but because you want to ...guilt...you drive – you speak when spoken to, you stop to buy red wine on the way home. Home now, you pour another glass of red and wait...it comes – you suppress – it comes again – it’s yours and you have to do it by yourself...it’s the least you could do for a friend...In MemoryJohn Mc (27/10/2009)01. Plainsong – The Cure02. Love Blind – Secret Shine03. Shine – Bailter Space04. Found Love - Darkside05. My Secret World – The Golden Dawn06. All Different Things – Bark Psychosis07. Plain - Witch Hazel08. Tongue Tied – The Hollow Men09. Miss You – Biff Bang Pow!10. Mistress – Red House Painters11. All The Stars - Crayon12. Moon – Wonky Alice13. Sugar Your Mind - Swallow14. The Bitter Air - Lorelei15. Florian - CharalambidesNo9[...]

A Hanging Whisper [Volume 8] – The Original Shoegaze

2009-10-24T00:46:13.972+01:00

“Oohh...Uh Oh I like French Ones” - I can’t really post this week without commenting on the sad death of Liam Maher (Flowered Up); I can still recall the rush of excitement I felt at hearing “It’s On” for the first time – it was great...no wait it was greater than great it was perfection – it was one song guaranteed to turn heads. Flowered Up were featured on my very first mix on this blog – which reminds of the point of this little blog exercise, it was a hobby and a chance to shine a light on forgotten musical gems from the past...well Liam you were a real gem and you’ll never be forgotten round my way...

A pulsating attack of monotone sounds that bleed through your speakers into your world – there was nothing like Loop at their peak – “Heavens End” is just a piece of art that should be hung in a gallery forever. Do you ever listen to a song and like it so much that you want it to end really quickly...just so you can play it all over again. You are over eager fumbling with the record needle like a teenager making out in the park – I get like that with “Supermarine” by The Spinning Jennys – it’s just effortless dreamy pop goodness – sometimes I wish the track lasted 60 minutes. I get that similar feeling with Molasses – easily the best song by Revolver – all balls and bravado a proper pounding bastard of a tune that owes more to Swervedriver than Lush.

Now, St.Johnny is a band that I keep trying to get people to turn onto – an American alternative band that honed their sound in equal measure from the UK noise scene and the American low-fi movement – listen to “Highway” at silly decibel level and tell me you don’t love it – or try and drive you car to that track without speeding up – tenner says you can’t?

As I listen to this mix I am still blown away by the breathtaking “Horoscope” – Easy – the melodic flair of Headtime and Bird Nest Boys, Beatnik Filmstars and Family Cat. Everyone should know “Love In A Car” a song so beautiful that convinced me for me years that Guy Chadwick was not of this world – let’s be honest have you ever meet anyone that listened to the House of Love and didn’t love them?

Hope you enjoy this one as much as I do...

01. Soundhead - Loop
02. Supermarine – The Spinning Jennys
03. Molasses - Revolver
04. I’ll Be Your Saint - Adorable
05. Highway – St. Johnny
06. Horoscope - Easy
07. Need To Be - Headtime
08. Jaffa Boy – Bird Nest Boys
09. Looking For Rain – Underground Lovers
10. Love In A Car – House Of Love
11. Hang On - Snapper
12. Train Song – 14 Iced Bears
13. Tom Verlaine – The Family Cat
14. You Can’t Fake Sadness Like This – Beatnik Filmstars
15. Third Shade Of Green – Ocean Colour Scene

Take It

A Hanging Whisper [Volume 7] – The Original Shoegaze

2009-10-18T16:01:08.905+01:00

It was clear vinyl if I recall and you had to guess which side to put on the turntable – ahh the memories of Spectrums “How You Satisfy Me” are greater than simply enjoying one of the great singles of the early 90’s no it also came with a built in Krypton Factor challenge – now there was a band that knew their audience.

Australian band Autohaze might be a little lesser heard of over in this part of the world but they are well worth checking out – a lot of those Australian bands remind me of the Irish scene of that time – the songs were never insular but stretching to bursting point with hooks and melodies.

Onto Ireland then with Whipping Boy whose first album “Submarine” was influenced by the Shoegazer scene in England yet they infected it with a darker edge that gave the sound an honest raw quality – they later abandoned this sound to produce Irelands greatest alternative album in “Heartworm”.

Another little gem to be found on this collection is Eternal (not the RnB band) but the one single wonder from Sarah records – their 1990 Breathe EP is a cracking record and one that should be checked out imeediately. Naturally, the old reliable are also here this week with Lush, The Charlottes, St.Thersea, Galaxie 500 and The Primitives adding a certain gravis to the proceedings.

I have finished with “Sway” by the magnificent Spiritualized, it’s the kind of song that sweeps you away on a musical plain so far ahead of its time that on occasion you lose your breath as breathing seems less relevant than the music – outstanding – it’s also nice to bookend the mix with the two Spacemen. I have a theory that the music is in some part inspired by Dead Poets Society (film) – of course this could just be another stupid theory that is based in no fact or credence whatsoever – my favourite theories I might add...

Till next week...

01. How You Satisfy Me - Spectrum
02. Lanes - Here
03. Undecided - Autohaze
04. Sushi – Whipping Boy
05. Lost – The Ropers
06. Empathise – The Primitives
07. Superblast [Remix] - Lush
08. Sleep - Eternal
09. Sweetabyss - The Ecstasy Of Saint Theresa
10. Love In The Emptiness – The Charlottes
11. Here She Comes Now – Galaxie 500
12. Coward - Moonshake
13. Second Hand Man – Honey Thieves
14. Daisy Kiss – Veronica Lake
15. Sway - Spiritualized

Dead Poet

A Hanging Whisper [Volume 6] – The Original Shoegaze

2009-10-10T19:22:51.578+01:00

So, we reach the halfway point on our journey back to the Shoegaze(ish) past of the early nineties; it would have been impossible compiling a mix without The Pale Saints on it – a great band who never really received the credit they deserved.

Next we head on over to Holland to The Nightblooms – it’s amazing how this sound spread over the globe, it obviously hit Japan as well as White Come Come validate – they only released one single I believe and it really is a great piece of 12 inch goodness. Did you know that Adorables guitarist plays currently with the best band on the planet today “The Zephyrs” – a great musical legacy he will leave.

Again, this compilation drifts between pure Shoegaze to dreampop in equal measure and then we have Cocteau Twins who are just genius. Puressence are another band that have been around forever and have never produced a bad track – they are worshipped still in Greece which is cool as apparently those Greeks are a civilised bunch.

I think that these compilations are getting stronger as we go along – there are certainly some beautiful moments to raise your spirits here – the crunch of Velocity Girl to the lush pop of Dreamscape. Finally we finish with a bit of a classic “Freefall” by Antiseptic Beauty is Shoegaze epic at it’s finest.

Till next week...

01. Sight Of You – The Pale Saints
02. Starcatcher – The Nightblooms
03. Broken Bird – White Come Come
04. Self-Imperfectionist - Adorable
05. Violet Intertwine – Jupiter Sun
06. Carolyn’s Fingers – Cocteau Twins
07. Double Dare – Yo La Tengo
08. Awesome – Ups And Downs
09. Offshore - Puressence
10. I Don't Care If You Go – Velocity Girl
11. Comforts - Blindside
12. Can’t Even Fake It - Ivy
13. Real Babe – Sweet Jesus
14. So Far From Belief - Dreamscape
15. Freefall – Antiseptic Beauty

Feel Blue

A Hanging Whisper [Volume 5] – The Original Shoegaze

2009-10-03T00:42:53.589+01:00

Do you know what I miss – Snub TV, anyone who was a fan of UK based alternative music in the early 90s watched that show. It was like a musical awakening every week – this is where I discovered Ride “Drive Blind” , Catherine Wheel “She’s MY Friend “and The Dylans (Snub paid for them to get a video to still one of the greatest singles ever “Godlike”– anyway it was whilst watching Snub TV that I heard the Telescopes “Celeste” a euphoric psychedelic masterpiece – it took me less than 10 seconds to fall in love with it and the band.

“Suzanne” was mesmerising on the first listen – it’s the percussion that really sets it apart – that and the bass run gives the song a dark heart that pours into you and suffocates. Of course Moose were pretty famous in the Shoegaze circles, a band less familiar is French group Les Autres who prove that quality of this type of music was not confined to the south of England. Ever since I started this blog I wanted to people to enjoy some of the great music that was produced and went unnoticed – one of my motivating reasons was Jane From Occupied Europe whose “Coloursound” album remains a bona fide masterpiece – please do yourself a favour and find a copy – it deserves a super deluxe re-release costing £80 with its own separate usb stick for good measure.

Some other bands worth a mention are Coaltar of the Deepers – Japanese Shoegaze meets a little of mariachi metal, Australian band The Earthmen, American outfit Difference Engine and hear the closest Cure “Just Like Heaven” cover check out UK band Saturn V’s “Machine-Gun Head”. All worthy of your precious time.

I was trying to make a point the other day that if you have less you make more of it - pretty straightforward concept I figured and one that made me feel awash with prophetic wisdom. I think now I have figured it out – in an age where we have 50 music stations on TV we are overwhelmed by the sheer amount of choice – was it better back in the times of waiting once a week for my Snub TV to educate me on new music – you know what tonight with my rose tinted bi-focal memory and YouTube to remind me I do believe it was – or maybe it was just my youth and the music?

I am enjoying this series immensely!

BTW: Smile by Levitation is just too good!

01. Celeste – The Telescopes
02. Suzanne - Moose
03. Shimmer – Jesus And Mary Chain
04. Kill The Girl I Love – Les Autres
05. Day Spent – The Daisies
06. Drift 13 – Jane From Occupied Europe
07. Chlorine Dream – Spirea X
08. By Tomorrow –Black Tambourine
09. Here By Chance - Breathless
10. Momentum – The Earthmen
11. Blink (Spinning a Sweet Daydreams) – Coaltar Of The Deepers
12. 5 Listens – Difference Engine
13. Your Eyes Immaculate - Lovesliescrushing
14. Machine-Gun Head – Saturn V
15. Smile - Levitation

LessMore

A Hanging Whisper [Volume 4] – The Original Shoegaze

2009-09-26T01:09:21.883+01:00

You could be forgiven for double checking the label, no it’s not a rare Chapterhouse record but rather Australian band Jupiter who kicks us off in fine effects spraying fashion – an absolute classic track that deserves to be on anyone’s top ten list of Shoegaze anthems. Following on is Blind Mr Jones who were a band of superb quality – I remember being blown away by their first couple of EPs and that feeling still kicks in when listening to “Eyes Wide” from the great Cherry Red label.

“Shallow” is probably the most overlooked of all of Catherine Wheels songs and it’s the one that really pulled my trigger for the band, a total sonic ejaculation of sounds that swirl and weave around your head – the song could make you dizzy; if you listen carefully to the intricate guitar work in minutes 2-3 it’s textured drama is enough to raise a shiver from their creative flair – superb!

This mix also contains a few other classics “Kitchens Of Distinction” – a peerless band, The Field Mice whose beautiful “For Keeps” album allowed me to spent many a Saturday afternoon drifting off to sleep with a smile on face in my teenage years, the heavier Drop Nineteens whose Delaware album was an addictive if slightly uneven creature – my brother will criticise my lack of “Kick The Tragedy” here.

Hopefully, on this little selection you will find something agreeable to your palate – there are a few tracks that veer close to twee pop and even straight indie rock but all I feel have “that sound” and therefore merit their inclusion – I have even included The Parachute Men who get us as close to Folkgaze as you will hear – I couldn’t leave it out though – after you listen to it you will know why.

Till next week...

01. Leave The Ground - Jupiter
02. Eyes Wide – Blind Mr. Jones
03. Shallow – Catherine Wheel
04. 4 Men – Kitchens Of Distinction
05. Plum - Spectacle
06. Star Of David – The Field Mice
07. Dipping - Bleach
08. Delaware – Drop Nineteens
09. Pretty O – The Bardots
10. I Don’t Mind – Sun Dial
11. Picture Frame – This Scarlet Train
12. Wedge – Make Like A Tree
13. I Just Can’t Celebrate - Shine
14. Sun and Sky Cranes Forever – Cranes
15. Earth, Dogs And Eggshells – The Parachute Men

Saturday Sleep

A Hanging Whisper [Volume 3] – The Original Shoegaze

2009-09-18T20:11:34.423+01:00

It’s just two simple chords D moving to a nice Bm, the transition has been used in hundreds of songs and still I have yet to hear it done better than the intro to “Like A Daydream”. In the years of 1990 -1992 make no mistake about it RIDE were easily the best band on the planet; if you want proof check out the first 4 EPs and 2 albums (I know you already have) for music that climbed the musical stratosphere so high that their rivals would have needed the Hubble telescope to see them – breathtaking. The momentum of our opening is maintained by a couple of top class American dream artists Sky Cries Mary and Aaeone – Aaeone tragically seemed to have only produced one single which is a shame as they had a fine ability to craft perfect melodic songs.When I was 16 our school went on a trip to Belfast to join some march for peace in Northern Ireland, upon arrival your future path varied depending upon your school demographic. The good looking kids starting making moves on the new influx of female opportunity in different coloured uniforms now caught in their cross hairs, the country folks hit the pubs to order snakebite and snigger at condom machines, the prefects actually went on the march to build up their CV’s because future employers only hire people with a social conscience. For me, all I wanted was to find a cool record shop and spend every last penny of my £20.00 that my brother had give me. I arrived home from the march not securing peace in N.Ireland but rather jealously hugging a copy of “Recurring” by Spacemen 3 – I figured that if real peace was to be had I would need to find my own peace first before helping others – kinda like Ghandi and Aeroplane emergencies. That album became my bible for the next few months – I read “Catcher In The Rye” (still my favourite book) while listening to it and on every subsequent reading have always picked that album to accompany me on its journey – the music i believe helped shape me as a human and to think people ask me why I like this genre...?Righty O then quickly through the rest:“South Pacific” – The Verve – better than 99% of later Verve stuff (although Northern Soul is a masterpiece). Flame - The Fury Things – from the best label in the world “Cheree” – if you don’t own Love Sick EP you have a hole in your collection – listen and discover why.“Translucent” = Spitfire – a B-Side that is so much better than the A-Side “Dive” – beautiful track that immediately hooks – Spitfire dabbled in the Shoegaze genre and when they did they were superb. “So Far From Belief” – Dreamscape – echos of MBV/Lush on this one – a great tune from a band that went on to become Secret Shine (another great band BTW)“This Savage Garden” – The Reegs – the finest Kinks cover known to me – this one is lifted from a compilation in 1991 showcasing the Reegs early singles – they were worth showcasing. “Lucky Devil” – The Mekons – one of the later ones on the series but worth including – The Mekons seemed to cover a lot of genres – this one proves they were extremely comfortable in the Shoegaze one.Finally, we have a personal favourite “Blue Collar Love” which shows how Shoegaze was heading into Metal/Grunge territory – this being a later composition shows that the later bands could easily pull influence from either genre. We finish with the magnificent Flying Saucer Attack and a track from their debut album – it’s an album I wish more people would hear now as there seems to be a lot of people proclaiming some 2009 music as “innovative” (I won’t name names) when it’s a carbon copy of this sound from 16 years ago.I hope you enjoy this one – I have listened to it while typing this nonsense and it reall[...]

A Hanging Whisper [Volume 2] – The Original Shoegaze

2009-09-12T00:54:22.132+01:00

It does have a dreamlike quality to it, its melodic centre is its textured chorus which rises and falls beautifully, it makes it all the more sad that The Jennifers only released one single but I suppose if you are to only ever release one single it should be “Just Got Back Today”- in many ways I prefer this single to the majority of the Supergrass stuff that followed. Another band that also only ever produced one perfect slab of 12” vinyl are The Nature Things whose Lucid EP” is a total masterpiece – “Shy Me” is a heavy fuzzy piece of filthy goodness – check out their MySpace page for the full EP.Now, I shouldn’t really need to introduce you to “Does This Hurt” by The Boo Radleys as I’ll assume you already know it – if not then be prepared to be amazed at its majestic perfection – I appreciate the love people have for “Giant Steps” – it is brilliant however “Everything’s Alright Forever” will always be their bona fide masterpiece!Many people always associate “Shoegaze” with UK based bands and while I certainly understand that “The scene that celebrates itself” was a particularly English thing the sound (or similar sounds) were being made by bands right across the globe, on this compilation alone we have a number of countries present, the USA are represented by the brilliant Springhouse, edgy Whorl and forerunners of the noise scene Band Of Susans. Then we head over to the other side of the world to New Zealand (ish) with the Julie Dolphin and the superb Straitjacket Fits from Dunedin NZ – I always wondered if the UK bands listened to those Flying Nun records – I have a feeling they must have – if you haven’t please remedy this.Just to spice things up a little I have included “Last Free Swans!” by Czech band Toyen which proves along the The Naked Souls (Volume 1) that there was some brilliant melodies coming out of Eastern Europe. I said at the start that I would include some band who arn’t Shoegaze but their tracks have that feeling or influence – one band in particular took on these influences “The Charlatans” whose “Between 10th and 11th” album was laced with dream pop influences – none more so than “Subtitle” here in its earliest form “Monster”.Lastly we have Slowdive – probably the most Shoegaze band to exist – I have chosen “Primal” as it reminds me of staying over at my mates house when I was younger. He always put on their album “Just For A Day” to drift us off to sleep and I could never make it to “Primal” (last song) so I include it now at the end to see if anyone else can while they are fighting the approaching drift into dreamland...that and it is also a bloody great track!01. Just Got Back Today – The Jennifers02. Shy Me – The Nature Things03. Does This Hurt? – The Boo Radleys04. It’s Locked Away – Band Of Susans05. Again – Springhouse06. Last Free Swans! – Toyen07. Shell – The Julie Dolphin08. Warm Room – Jane Pow09. CCCP – The Veldt10. Maybe It’s Better – Whorl11. Codine – Ultra Vivid Scene12. Monster – The Charlatans13. Bad Note For A Heart – Straitjacket Fits14. A Love From Outer Space – A.R. Kane15. Primal - SlowdivePedal[...]

A Hanging Whisper [Volume 1] – The Original Shoegaze

2009-09-12T00:54:34.425+01:00

Right, first off here is the new series and yes it relates to Shoegaze; and while I type that I have to add it to the Word Dictionary, anyway this series is a compilation of “Shoegaze” music from when I listened to it – namely the late 80’s to about 93/4 ish.I want to explain a couple of things – firstly the fact that the term Shoegaze was coined originally by the British music press annoys me especially if it was by the NME. However, I am going to use it for this series as I finally don’t see it as a negative term and hopefully by using it a little more some more people will discover some of the most beautiful melodic music of the last 25 years without the stupid “it’s not cool now” tag cause we have Suede to hinder them.Another thing – this is a big series – I was surprised just how much music I had that I could add to these compilations (I had to tie it to 10); now not every band featured will be a “Shoegaze” band however every track will hopefully have some relevance to the genre that makes its addition credible. Please don’t inform me that some bands arn’t Shoegaze – trust me I know but they fit...Listening to the music now I can hear 60 million different possible sub genres but I feel they all have a love of melody and effects, another thing that becomes clear with the music is the fact that it is kind of timeless – I don’t really listen to Shoegaze bands of today but do they sound much different than the masters of old...I’m not sure.Do you ever listen to songs and nearly cry when you hear them as they are so entrenched in teenage melancholy memories that you can almost taste that bitter pariah taste you always had in your mouth; and yet the lacing on those memories edge is joyful – full of hope about the future and what just might happen – for me every time I listen to “Coast Is Clear”, “Breather” and “”To Here Knows When” I am transported to a different time in my life where I am the only person alive who can hear this music and think these thoughts – that’s the problem with age – it often brings real life wisdom, this wisdom unfortunately isn’t romantic so I rely on music to take me back to my more youthful confused self.I don’t want to comment too much on this mix – if you’re interested you’ll check it out and hopefully enjoy the melodic nature of the bands – if not then I’ll see you round here in about 10 weeks time – I need to do this one – I have put it off for too long...G01. Sleep – The Naked Souls02. To Here Knows When – My Bloody Valentine03. Coast Is Clear – Curve04. Threw A Day – The Lilys05. Breather – Chapterhouse06. Dinosaurs – Submarine07. You Can’t Call Home – Brian08. The Sweetest Sugar – Paint In Watercolour09. Lost In The Funhouse – Afterglow10. Out Of My Head – The Driscolls11. The Bridge – Shiva Affect12. Into You (Remix) – JPS Experience13. I Thought You Told Me Everything – 8 Storey Window14. In My Mind - The Lavender Faction15. So Far Down Up to Heaven – Rollerskate SkinnyGaze[...]

Shuffling Shiny Shoes Vol.4 [Scottish Alternatives 2000-2009]

2009-08-29T17:43:54.809+01:00

Shuffling Shiny Shoes Vol.5 [Scottish Alternatives 2000-2009]

2009-08-22T01:10:53.507+01:00

It’s got to be “Urban Hymns” is usually the answer to the question of best Verve album however I always disagree – not because I want to be cool and alternative by picking “the early stuff” but I genuinely believe that “The Verve’s” best work was their original singles – now I have found a band that agree with me “Kaleidoscope Eyes” have made me so happy again – it’s like hearing “Gravity Grave” for the first time again in “”Entheogen” – just an awe inspiring track.De Rosa have release a magnificent album this year called “Prevention” from which flight Recorder is just one sample of the ten perfect pieces of pop contain therein. Is Norman Blake knighted yet? It’s a disgrace that his talents have not made him Premier, Prime Minister, President, God of all things – just listen to “Did I Say” for evidence of a man that can craft a song of TOTAL PERFECTION – how many upbeat tracks can induce tears in the eyes and a sense of melancholy so thick that every time you hear it you wallow for 5minutes after the track has ended....“Let’s Start A Band” – the first time I heard it (Thanks Pops And Scratches)it took me totally by surprise – I had heard of Amy MacDonald and quickly dismissed her as another one of this angsty troubled teens with one idea and an ex-boyfriend who was about to get a lyrical kicking for 45 minutes. Happy to be proven wrong – a great track all brooding and mariachi flare – it really shouldn’t be as good as it is but it is...There are some great guitar tracks on this collection including Astrid, State Broadcasters, The Pearl Fishers, Val Verde and of course Trashcan Sinatras – bands that release that melody and emotion are essential in great songs. For me this sums up a lot of what Scottish bands do really well – it’s the Celtic ear for melody that shines through – trust me there is so much quality in that Northern place its frightening. Of course there is a little anger is well which is represented by Twin Atlantic and the brilliant Sluts Of Trust – if you are looking for something a little harder.We finish with Primal Scream a band who were a first love for me – sometimes the relationship turned sour over the years with some of their work however with tracks like “Miss Lucifer” I realise that I really do love them and will never stray too far from their path...01. Entheogen – Kaleidoscope Eyes02. Flight Recorder – De Rosa03. Did I Say – Teenage Fanclub04. Let’s Start A Band – Amy MacDonald05. Economy Class – Astrid06. Let’s Make T-Shirts – State Broadcasters07. Lovely To Me – Lucky Jim08. New Stars – The Pearlfishers09. I Come In – Twin Atlantic10. Big Blonde – Aidan Moffat And The Best Ofs11. Wasted Little DJs – The View12. Denise Fontaine – Val Verde13. That’s Right...That Cat’s Rig – Sluts Of Trust14. The Spectacle Of Magic Dan – The Bubble Project15. Prisons – The Trashcan Sinatras16. Miss Lucifer – Primal ScreamShoes[...]

Shuffling Shiny Shoes Vol.3 [Scottish Alternatives 2000 – 2009]

2009-08-15T11:55:48.494+01:00

Of all the film directors in the world Michael Mann is my favourite, just his visual eye and how he directs a scene is staggering, from Thief to Public Enemies his career has produced its fair share of classics. However, I think that the main reason I worship at altar Mann is due to his ear for music usually melodic ambient hypnotic tones that totally engross when watching a film – that is why I always pick “Auto Rock” by Mogwai every time I put them on a mix. Now, anyone who knows Mogwai could easily list 30-40 other tracks that are worthy of your attention but they weren’t featured on the last scenes of the critically panned Miami Vice 2006.2006 was the year the Fratellis released “Costello Music ” from which “Baby Fratelli” is taken – a good old fashioned piece of Rock N Roll music which I love though critics pompously dismiss…dismiss their influences was something The Legends did not do on their magnificent “Always The Same” – just listen to the sound of 85 Mary Chain burst through your speaker.Speakers like James Yorkston have an uncanny ability to move you even with their layered instrumentation and thoughtful lyrics – listen to Banjo #2 which contains my favourite line of his “clumsy touch and Catholic roving eye” – sublime music to cure your thoughts when out for a drive. Drive-By Argument have contributed the most uplifting “Dance Like No-Ones Watching” an upbeat fast piece of electro indie which will secure a roll of your head.“Head Rolls Off” by Frightened Rabbit is profound intelligent rock music, a band that actually have something to say and yet don’t shove it down your throat – such a melody and just another gem from arguably the best album of last year “Midnight Organ Fight” Fight is not a word that springs to mind when listening to Isobel Campbell her fragile “Beggar Wiseman and Thief” is a superb revamp of those beautiful old folk structures.Structure with Malcolm Middleton is usually brilliant – his form and words bring a knowing smile and frown with equal measure as he relates always to the listen however on occasion forces us into an honest place where comfort is not easily obtained. We finish with “The Bagpipes” from the magnificent Errors a pulsating instrumental to ease us out of the mix. Overall, I like this selection of tunes a lot – hopefully you will hear some old favourites and perhaps a couple of new ones in here.01. Auto-Rock – Mogwai02. Baby Fratelli – The Fratellis03. Always The Same – The Legends04. Banjo #1 – James Yorkston05. Dance Like No-Ones Watching – Drive-By Argument06. Broken Down Bodies – Our Family Name07. Head Rolls Off – Frightened Rabbit08. Hold On – Sean Riley And The Slowriders09. Here Comes The New Challenger – Projekt-A-Ko10. Beggar, Wiseman Or Thief – Isobel Campbell11. Poison Letter – Le Reno Amps12. Get Up – Travis13. Something To Turn Up – Wake Up President14. Pulling Pushups – Copy Haho15. Four Cigarettes – Malcolm Middleton16. The Bagpipes - ErrorsShuffle[...]

Shuffling Shiny Shoes Vol.2 [Scottish Alternatives 2000-2009]

2009-07-24T10:53:23.851+01:00

John Lennon in the later Beatle years seemed to embrace his hometown accent when delivering his songs – I always liked this as there seemed to be an honesty in the artists work; an enforced accent is basically a verbal mask and an artist that has the balls to not conform to a staged voice is always worth listening to in my opinion."Cold Days From the Birdhouse" is a breath taking record from Twilight Sad a band that exceeded all expectations on their arrival and produced one of the classic Scottish albums in “Fourteen Autumns & Fifteen Winters”. Familiar sounds come from My Latest Novel who also prove to have a keen ear for melody and epic soundscapes (along with a perfect regional accent)“New Ideas” was the debut single from The Dykeenies and while they produced a fantastic album it is their debut I include her as nothing I have heard comes close to the all out visceral attack of this track – outstanding...Another great upbeat track on the selection comes from King Creosote (Kenny Anderson) who runs the great Fence Collective label – I think he must have released 99 albums over the last ten years – this track is lifted from his most commercially successful one “Bombshell” which is a mighty mighty record.Being a massive fan of Teenage Fanclub I find myself happy that I am in familiar territory with Dropkick and Primary Five – two outstanding Scottish bands that really deserve to have their back catalogues sought out and purchased...trust me you will not be disappointed in the slightest...My favourite band in the whole world at this minute is The Zephyrs – Christ they are bloody amazing! This track “Washed To The Shore” is lifted from the referenced “A Year To The Day” album which is one of the greatest albums released in the last ten years – fans of Slowdive Mogwai, Sigur will find some comfort here – I have and I’m not moving...The latest big thing in Scotland is Broken Records whose album “Until The Earth Begins To Part” is worth seeking out (released this year) however it did not include “Lies” which I reckon is the bands best tune – tell me what you think – it definitely should have been an album opener or closer.Finally, I must mention Mitchell Museum who seem to be to blend the Pogues with The Flaming Lips to an inspired blend of delicious psych folk...I just received an e-mail from their record company informing me that they are releasing a tape shortly – hopefully this don’t mind this cracking track finding some space on the Internet.And that folks is Volume Two, and to quote “Peter” who kindly left a comment on Volume 1 this is “Out-fucking-standing.” music – it may be the series to finish this blog as I don’t think I can top it...Till next week then...01. Cold Days From The Birdhouse – Twilight Sad02. New Ideas – The Dykeenies03. Only For Yourself - Dropkick04. All In All In All Is All – My Latest Novel05. These Wooden Ideas – Idlewild06. High 5 – The Primary 507. Washed to The Shore – The Zephyrs08. Home In A Sentence – King Creosote09. Lies – Broken Records10. Out Of Control - Kizzy Star11. From Here To Dundee/Eternity – How To Swim12. Lord Anthony – Belle And Sebastian13. Crisis In The Slow Lane – The Xcerts14. Extra Lifes – Mitchell Museum15. To Be King – Suckle16. You Can Do Athletics – We Are The PhysicsShoes[...]

Shuffling Shiny Shoes [Scottish Alternatives 2000-2009]

2009-07-18T23:52:24.169+01:00

A friend of mine is Scottish and he states that Ireland is the second greatest country in the world after his beloved...unfortunately on this occasion I believe his country is just pipped by the Emerald Isle...though it’s hard not to like Scotland. Let’s be honest they are a bunch of miserable bastards who could find the one negative in a sea of positivity...to be honest I think that is the reason I love the place – it’s home away from home.Now, when it comes to music Scotland really is second to no one, such a wealth of great artists and magical creativity comes from Northern Britain. I had wanted to pay tribute to the country for some time on the blog and finally figured out how, I couldn’t just throw together a list of great tunes from the country – the list was simply too many. No, instead I limited myself to a series set only from 2000-2009 – trust me the omissions are probably as good as the inclusions here. So, here we go another series begins and I’m already itching to do 1990-1999 from my second home.Onto the music then...I have started with one of my all time favourite songs in “Rox” – an incredible piece of music that seems to reference Primal Scream and Gary Numan in equal doses – it is arguably the best song by The Aliens – from 3mins 20seconds the track just ascends everything into a beautiful utopian plain – in other words = genius. Next is dreamy melodic beauty by Crash My Model Car – a track that could make you cry if you concentrate on the music and words with intent and imagination.Every once in a while a track comes and knocks you off your feet – while others praise it you go further and offer pains of worship to it playing it over and over on the stereo until your conscience bleeds with its message – “Quiet Little Voices” is more than a great song it’s a track that reaffirms your belief that music can be fucking pure again – it is bands like “We Were Promised Jetpacks” that keep my mind younger than my body and for that I thank them unreservedly.Sons And Daughters remind me a little of Fatima Mansions which is probably the highest praise I could give them – “Johnny Cash” is a kick ass tune that will cause neck strain. Now I have no Jesus and Mary Chain on the series but fret not we have Bubblegum Lemonade to help us relive some of their memories – trust me they are not alone in their love of J+MC in this series -, why their sister “Sister Vanilla” is here with a total Mary “Stoned And De-Throned” Chain like track in “Two Of Us”.I did a quick mix for my brother recently who is a hard bastard to please as his musical snobbery outshines my own attempt, anyway he rang me 35 minutes after leaving the house gushing about Biffy Clyro’s “Folding Stars” – “Outstanding” he exclaimed – he even educated me on the lyrics.The rest of the mix has perfect power pop in Dananananaykroyd, seedy dreamy brilliance from Union Of Knives and The Starlets; perfect pop from Cosmic Rough Riders, El Pres!dente and BMX Bandits . The shoegaze(y) track comes from the brilliant Aerogramme while Mondo ’77 is possibly the funkiest work out you’ll hear around these parts.Here comes the broken record bit...but honestly I think this series might be the best yet on this little blog – no need to hope if you like music you will enjoy this little mix...01. Rox – The Aliens02. In Dreams – Crash My Model Car03. Quiet Little Voices – We Were Promised Jetpacks04. Johnny Cash – Sons & Daughters05. Susan’s In The Sky – Bubblegum Lemonade06. Folding Stars – Biffy[...]

How The West Was One Vol.6 [Alt. Country Series]

2009-07-05T11:14:20.737+01:00

Christ, "Folksingers Heart" (Thanks Ron) has been bothering me for days – as soon as I heard it I knew I loved it, this was really due to the reason that that guitar riff is so familiar and I can’t remember where the hell I hear it before – if anyone knows could they let me know please...

OK, so Volume Six then, it really could have been a series of compilations over 20 weeks such is the strength of Country music at present so limiting to six was a bit of a challenge and I know there are a few that escaped me, I have received a few e-mails from Alt.Country fans who have put me onto about a dozen new bands not included here and that makes the whole experience worthwhile. On occasion people have commented on my record collection stating that I probably should have enough now – I really don’t understand what that means – I have accepted the fact years ago that my collection will always be a work in progress – it will never stop growing – when it does I doubt there will be much air circulating around my body.

As I type I am listening to Eastwood and instantly a gentle wave of familiarity comes to me – I know it yet it is still new and a little different kinda like a friend you haven’t seen for a while – you know the conversation will be stilted initially however it loosens up over time.

Listen, the music contained within this collection of tracks is probably pound for pound the strongest selected in the series, I can’t be arsed commenting (probably because I have had too much red wine)on the individual tracks just listen and decide for yourselves...

01. Folksingers Heart – Two Cow Garage
02. Bandits – Midlake
03. People Gotta Lot Of Nerve – Neko Case
04. Breathe – Eastwood
05. Can’t Hardly Wait – Justin Townes Earle
06. Leah – Quiet Life
07. Sisters & Brothers – Giant Sand
08. Animal Shapes – Silver Jews
09. Oxygen – Wily Mason
10. I Know You – Bravo Johnson
11. Russell County Garage – The Waybacks
12. Simple Explanation – The Autumn Defence
13. Lift My Mug (Song For Hub Cale) – William Elliott Whitmore
14. Lady Of The Snowline – Willard Grant Conspiracy
15. If I Am A Stranger – Ryan Adams And The Cardinals
16. Here At The Starlight - Lucero

Six Disc

How The West Was One Vol. 5 [Alt. Country Series]

2009-06-24T23:57:47.871+01:00

I remember when I used to play football, the manager always advised us getting off to a strong start is essential, with this sage advice still ringing I have started with “Long Life Stomp” by The Broken Prayers – a bombastic piece of music which might have you ordering their magnificent “Crow” album on the basis of one track.Having an American cousin can be useful, it’s such a vast place with so much music – I don’t think I would have ever heard of Emmet Swimming had it not been given to me years ago under the order “Listen or die” – thankfully it turns out that I really loved them, unfortunately so did some of my friends who stole my “Big Night Without You” album which I have never replaced...still I digress “Parking Lot” is lifted from their second album “Arlington To Boston” and is majestic .I honestly believe these Alt County mixes keep getting stronger – I mean we are at Volume 5 and only now do Whiskeytown, 16 Horsepower, Uncle Tupelo, Band Of Horses, and Okkervil River make their entrance. I’m not going to comment on their tracks as I don’t have the time or the mastery of words to do them justice...just listen instead.Greg Keelor (Blue Rodeo) has the voice of an angel and on “No Man’s Land” creates such a beautiful track that it could induce tears from the most harden musical subscriber, I have to mention “Ride With Me” by Sarah Borges And The Broken Singles – for all you Lemonheads fans out there must hear this cover. The fact is this: Ride with me is one of the greatest songs that my generation pushed forth, now I Sarah covers this faithfully and yet gives the song another level of warmth that is just staggering – and the solo is much cleaner and the fact she keeps the song in the right gender means it may just be a perfect track.“What do you mean you have not heard “Coxcomb Red”???? – I have heard these words before when discussing the most beautiful midnight tracks to listen to. It’s not so much a song as a confession – a song that obviously means so much to Jason Molina and a gentle effortless way to finish the mix.Next week...last in the series!01. Long Life Stomp – The Broken Prayers02. Parking Lot – Emmet Swimming03. 10 Seconds – Whiskeytown04. Castles In The Sand – Dead End Cowboys05. No Man’s Land – Greg Keelor06. My Narrow Mind - 16 Horsepower07. TTT Gas – The Gourds08. Back Home – The Hiders09. Detlef Schrempf – Band Of Horses10. The Long Cut – Uncle Tupelo11. One Last Time – Neal Casal12. Unless It Kicks – Okkervil River13. Dollar A Day – Ryan Bingham14. Through Unto The End – Trainwreck Riders15. Ride With Me - Sarah Borges And The Broken Singles16. Coxcomb Red – Songs:OhiaFive[...]

How The West Was One Vol. 4 [Alt. Country Series]

2009-06-17T22:20:22.186+01:00

Some songs simply defy any form of criticism, The Nationals “Fake Empire” is one such song – their opening track from “Boxer” just grabs and doesn’t let go, and beautiful gentle building rhythms combined with off pattern drumming that is sublime. See if you can sit still to “Children Of The Lord”, if that track doesn’t impress I’ll probably give up doing this blog due to the fact that I’m completely out of touch with good music anymore.

Some great mid tempo tracks here, super group Golden Smog lift the bar, Josh Ritter passes yet another perfect melodic 4 minutes our way, while Joe and The Pernice Brothers draw upon the most beautiful whimsy to drift effortlessly over us.
I have included a few cracking slow numbers, obviously Bonnie Prince Billy needs no introduction, “I Will Never See The Sun” by The Great Lake Swimmers is one of the tunes that induces tears almost on the first listen – much of this to do with Tony Dekkers subdued vocal tones.

It could be argued that Micah P Hinson is currently the finest singer songwriter making music today, I wouldn’t like to argue against it – such an ear for structure and form - he knows when exactly to bring in the right instruments – listen and hear. Octoberman make the most mundane tasks seem lyrical in “Run From Safety” - different class.

Finally, yes that is a lyrically-changed up cover of the Stranglers “No More Heroes” and yes that is country music from The Lemonheads – I think that in reality they might have been the first band to turn me onto the charms of this wonderful genre...

Enjoy...I reckon it’s a good one...

01. Fake Empire – The National
02. Children Of The Lord – Slim Cessna's Auto Club
03. Right Moves – Josh Ritter
04. Serpentine – Chris Bathgate
05. Fighting For – Cross Canadian Ragweed
06. Ill Fated – Golden Smog
07. I Will Never See The Sun – Great Lake Swimmers
08. No More Heroes - Inneke 23 & The Lipstick Painters
09. Amazing Glow –The Pernice Brothers
10. A Minor Place – Bonnie “Prince” Billy
11. Big Gay Heart – The Lemonheads
12. Dark Don’t Hide It – Magnolia Electric Co.
13. Undone – Mark Mulcahy
14. Beneath The Rose - Micah P Hinson
15. White Hearse Comes – Rae Spoon
16. Run From Safety - Octoberman

Four

How The West Was One [Vol.3]

2009-06-05T20:03:18.898+01:00

What better to start volume 3 than to hear a Swedish Alt Country great in Christian Kjellvander, it is testament to just how great country music is that is appears to have spread across the entire globe – it’s influence is immeasurable. Listening to the track you would swear he came from an American country state – such a great song that builds to an inspiring finish that rouses the soul.Easily one of the greatest country records released in the last few years is Son Volt’s “The Search” – a modern masterpiece of which “The Picture” is included here simply because forgot just how good this track was. The same can be said for “Sick Of Goodbyes” from another unbelievable album “Kerosene Hat” – I listened to it again last week and it still holds true after 16 years which is testament to it’s worth.The next three tracks on the mix are up there with my favourite 3 from any mix I have ever done – The Avett Brothers surely must have listened to John Lennon as their track more than tips a hat to the master, Blitzen Trapper are a band that vary their sound – one of their most country sounding tunes is “Texaco” which is such a heartbreaking track – the steel gives it a sublime dreamlike quality. The final track on the magic 3 is from Drive-By Truckers – just insane how good this band are – like Wilco nearly impossible to define a favourite album nevermind track however I have opted for “The Living Bubba” as it really strikes a chord with the listener – if it doesn’t send shivers down your spine you must be plastic.Personally, I feel this is the best mix in the series so far and hopefully classic track form The Broken Family Band, Antic Clay and Lambchop will add credence to that statement. A special note on Chris Isaak – I actually really liked “Wicked Game” however I pretty much dismissed him after that, then I watched a film called “Beautiful Girls” and heard “Graduation Day” – it is a song that you instantly fall in love with – just beautifully textured with the most divine vocals laid down. This track was found on the album “Forever Blue” which I quickly purchased and never regretted – check it out it is one of the greats – even Stanley Kubrick loved it…01. Homeward Rolling Soldier – Christian Kjellvander02. The Picture – Son Volt03. Sick Of Goodbyes – Cracker04. The Fall – The Avett Brothers05. Texaco – Blitzen Trapper06. The Living Bubba – The Drive-By Truckers07. Anna Lee – The Bad Livers08. Lake Of Pontchartin – The Be-Good Tanyas09. Old Wounds – The Broken Family Band10. Graduation Day – Chris Isaak11. Something Special – Chuck Prophet12. Simple Hello – Damien Jurado13. Living Is Suicide – Dax Riggs14. The Light That Guides You Home – Jim Cuddy15. On Holy Mountain – Antic Clay16. The Butcher Boy – LambchopHere[...]

How The West Was One [Vol 2]

2009-05-30T02:03:15.679+01:00

I do like the feel of an extra few feet in my bed and ever since I heard “Sun Comes Up It’s Tuesday Morning” I realise that good news does wait until morning...one of the greatest things in life is our magpie ability to steal the ideas, thoughts and feelings of our favourite artists and pass them off as our own, for years I have always falsely portrayed myself as more intelligent and more witty simply by “borrowing” the simple phrases of my favourite songs... although a lesson to the wise better to go obscure with your stealing...Please don’t comment on the Wilco track – picking one was difficult and unless you can pick a favourite child please don’t tell me that I left off “She’s a Jar” et al, however if you do have a better track than “C’Mon” by Guster I would love to hear it as it is bloody superb – roll down the windows and let summer in.I heard that Joe Purdy song on an episode of “Lost” – it honestly remains the only episode I ever watched of the show and while I left Lost behind I can’t say the same for Joe an artist I quickly sought out and loved ever since – beautiful gentle inspiring ode to the art of letting go. I get a similar thing with Josh Rouse whose early work was streets ahead of the competition, “Feeling No Pain” from 2002’s “Under Cold Blue Stars” was the lynchpin track in an outstanding album – listening to it it’s easy to see why it was such a favourite.“George Washington” is the demo version from Hope Of The States which towers over their album remix, if your eyebrows are raised over their Country credentials just listen to the track especially the last 2 minutes which with the right headphones could reduce you to tears.I like this selection of tracks a lot especially the last two – the sheer beauty of “The Light Will Stay On” haunts me – from that bassline to the lush string section - Carla Torgersons vocals never sounded better – it always fills me with melancholy, my head spins with too much thinking... almost that although we have a place in the world it is blinking reality and despite everything you do it is just a flickering life you will lead and even at its brightest it is still destined to end and yet it is comforting as we all collectively share this blessing.I love leading from this track into “Road To Joy” a song so perfect it should be placed in the locker of every teenager of 15 years old just to let them appreciate the fact that they are not alone and we all were fucked up at one stage and yet it getting better in the end after a little noise.As I’ve always said “If when you’re asked to join a war that’s over nothing it’s best to join the side that’s going to win”...01. Sunken Waltz – Calexico02. Sun Comes Up It’s Tuesday Morning – Cowboy Junkies03. The Late Greats – Wilco04. In My Hands – Aaron Lee Tasjan05. C’mon - Guster06. Wash Away (Reprise) – Joe Purdy07. Feeling No Pain – Josh Rouse08. George Washington (Demo) – Hope Of The States09. The Galway Girl – Steve Earle10. Four Years Ago – Nadine11. Today, I’m Gonna Bleed – Neal Cash12. Streetlights – Jason Isbell And The 400 Unit13. Fire Fire – The Victor Mourning14. Think It Over – The Thorns15. The Light Will Stay On – The Walkabouts16. Road To Joy – Bright EyesTwo[...]

How The West Was One [Alt.Country Series]

2009-05-23T20:32:00.757+01:00

Christ, it used to depress me – the sound of a pedal steel guitar and some hairy badger moaning about some poorly named woman who broke his heart. I always considered myself fortunate that my parents never really subscribed to the misery and depression that dripped from every Country and Western song. Of course, they flirted with Crystal and Jim but never fully committed to their painful odes preferring to stay closer to 60’s pop/folk or more Irish folksy leanings...Nowadays, Alt.Country is one of thee coolest genres around – thanks to the genius bands like Wilco, Son Volt, Lambchop, Calexico etc etc – no longer are you scorned for loving this brilliant art.. but it wasn’t always like that..Country was never cool growing up, let’s face it out of all the musical genres Country was never one you would admit to liking...you had the Metal kids whose schoolbags would advertise the likes of AC/DC and Kiss, then you had the really Metal kids whose canvas bags were decorated with the likes of Carcass and Danzig– you stayed the hell away from those ones partly due to the smell but really through the heightened suspicion they would one day kill their parents. The Indie kids were generally chirpy and usually thought they were better than everyone else, their schoolbags adorned with The Roses and Farm harmless really...as were the Goths with their Meat Is Murder stance and belief that Robert Smith was the second coming of the lord...they were harmless also ...well harmless to others anyway. Finally, in my school you had the Dance kids – usually the first kids to discover the joys of sniffing poppers in history – I remember acne being a constant for that brigade due to their lack of sleep as they were up all night on the decks – they would stretch to Reggae but really only for a soundtrack to their comedowns....No – no one liked Country – me included until I discovered “Sweetheart For the Rodeo” – I remember first hearing it being devastated that the Byrds could produce such a racket...gradually I grew to love it like all great records over years as opposed to days. Personally, I feel that’s where this whole Alt. Country idea came from – The Byrds and in particular Gram Parsons...I for one am glad they decided to make it cool for me to like this music because it is now considered cooler than sexual intercourse – unfortunately I get more Country music these days...As I type I am listening to “Girl In Green” by Blue Rodeo a total maelstrom of swirling organs and crashing fenders, Christ even backwards dubbing going on in this one – a Greg Keelor classic and one of the many genius records Blue Rodeo put out over the years – one word review: Awesome! Wovenhand are another one of Alt Country’s truly innovative masters – “Dirty Blue” a track that simply will have you gasping at the brilliance of its texture and harmonic beauty.I have included a few upbeat tracks on this mix – notables include the mighty Jayhawks and American Babies, Old 97’s remind me of Blue Rodeo which is always good as they skip and move with such pace and vigour they are contagious. Ed Kowalczyk of American rock band “Live” proclaimed that “Supernatural” by Vic Chesnutt was “the most beautiful song written by a human being” – I’ll let you judge for yourselves.I think one of the reasons people really love this genre is simply because the songs can be so h[...]

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