Monthly Archive "April2011"
JAMES VINCENT MCMORROW ‘Early In The Morning’
I originally bought this into the shop based on the labels description of it being “sort of Irish Bon Iver”. Well there’s been a few ‘Bon Iver-ish’ albums touted since his sole record “For Emma Forever” not least from the man himself – the Volcano Choir and Gaynngs albums, both excellent. And while MVMc has [...]
VARIOUS ARTISTS – ‘Elektronische Musik’
Fabulous – possibly definitive – collection of obscure experimental German rock and electronic music of the 1970s and early 80s. Missing out Kraftwerk (which you may just have in your record collection already!), we have Neu! Faust, Tangerine Dream and many others. Influential stuff and a entre into a world of some of the most [...]
BLACK MOUNTAIN – ‘Wilderness Heart’
This is the third album from Canadian indie rock band Black Mountain. And I think this is the one by which all other albums they make ought to be judged. Not only is this the sound of a band at their peak but they make the whole thing sound so easy. Isn’t this often the [...]
JON HOPKINS – ‘Insides’
On this fantastic album of ambient Electronica, it’s hard to tell if Jon Hopkins is foremost an artist or producer, I guess he’s both. This isn’t his first record but it’s his best. Having worked with Brian Eno, both on Coldplay records and Eno’s own recent album this information might give the impression that he’s [...]
RADIOHEAD – ‘King Of Limbs’
Released online like its predecessor and now available on CD and vinyl. The band have a following that you feel will go wherever they lead. They no longer write tunes in the way they did back in the OK Computer days but have a focus on rhythms and effects, production and moods. Few people will [...]
GRINDERMAN – ‘Grinderman 2′
The Nick Cave side project, becoming in danger of becoming his main gig if the quality continues. This over the top album (you get an idea from the sleeve and especially the accompanying videos), is a trip from beginning to end. How do you describe their sound? Blues/grunge? Why not just Grinderman? Great fun album [...]
KING CREOSOTE & JON HOPKINS – ‘Diamond Mine’
Jon Hopkins last album Insides, was one of my top 5 albums of the last year or so. It was pure post rock/electronica. So when this album was trailed some months back it was intriguing to find out if it would work. It passes the test with ease. If you know the Hopkins album, then [...]
TALLEST MAN ON EARTH – ‘The Wild Hunt’
The second album from TMOE builds on his debut. But either album or either of his 2 EPs show just how simple great music can be. From Sweden, he apparently he learned to speak English by watching US Television shows, which perhaps accounts for his American accent. There’s an unmistakable Dylan-esque quality to his sound [...]
ANAIS MITCHELL – ‘Hadestown’
Okay, the concept of an American folk opera based on Greek mythology may not excite much perhaps but put that to one side and you’ll find yourself caught up in an amazing piece of music. Written and conceived by Anais Mitchell it is performed as an ensemble piece that combines the talents of half a [...]
DOUG PAISLEY – ‘Constant Companion’
I came across this album as a result of a couple of reviews in Mojo and Uncut late in 2010. What I learned from these reviews apart from the glowing report on the album wasn’t much except this was his 2nd album and that while in the general Americana type genre there was nothing coming [...]
