Bill Callahan aka Smog releases a brand new album, the wonderfully titled 'Sometimes I Wish We Were an Eagle' on Drag City at the end of March.
T&G has heard a few tracks, thanks to Mark Riley who has been giving the promo a spin on 6 Music.
I was a bit disappointed with 2007's 'Woke On A Whaleheart' which I found patchy and in places a bit corny. Initial impressions are that 'SIWWWAE' is a return to the form of 2005's 'A River Ain't Too Much To Love' which was a masterclass in laid back alt.country beauty.
Best track I've heard so far is 'My Friend', which starts off with gentle guitar picking and builds into something of an epic with Bill managing to growl and whisper at the same time whilst singing the chorus. Very fine indeed. Put me down as very exited about the album and eager for some UK dates this Spring.
Wednesday, 28 January 2009
Monday, 26 January 2009
Fleet Foxes 'Fleet Foxes' 2cd edition
I have to report that I am currently half deaf. This is hopefully a temporary thing, very temporary. It means though that I have not been listening to much music over the last couple of days and I have the Bruce Springsteen and J Tillman LPs to review. Best idea then, is to review something that I have been listening to pretty constantly for the last few months and is now being re-issued.
Fleet Foxes are re-releasing their fantastic debut album with a bonus disc, which is the already released 'Sun Giant' EP with one extra track! This could be considered to be an un-necessary re-release but at times like this we don't be-grudge Bella Union trying to cash in a bit, plus it gives T&G a chance to correct our original review of 'Fleet Foxes' which was along the lines of "its very good but not as good as people are saying". The truth is this is a brilliant record and the ultimate 'grower'.
So why is this album so good?
Melodies that you pick up on without noticing and then find dancing around your head for days on end. A singer with a wonderful voice. Songs that you'll just love singing along to. The highlights here are songs that you'll want to listen to for years to come.... 'White Winter Hymnal' is a weird, vivid fairytale and the most immediate song on the record, 'Oliver James' is the beautiful, part acapella, ballad with the harmonies to die for, 'He Doesn't Know Why' is maybe best of all, the story of a friend who went down the wrong path with some amazingly poweful singing. The EP has 'Mykonos', with about three distinct and equally catchy sections and the touching, sparse 'Innocent Son'.
All the comparisons have already been made. You'll hear echoes of the Beach Boys, Crosby Stills and Nash and The Eagles here but this is a record that will stand for years to come on its own name, pure quality. This is the sort of record that you'll find yourself buying copies of to give to other people. I said in my original review that there is nothing really new here and that is true. These are just superbly crafted songs that will dance around your head and make you want to sing along. No more or less than that.
9.2
['Fleet Foxes' the 2cd edition is out on Monday on Bella Union. Or you can buy the vinyl copy with 'Sun Giant' on side 4, out now. Fleet Foxes play 3 nights at the Roundhouse in Feb. T&G will be in attendance.]
Fleet Foxes are re-releasing their fantastic debut album with a bonus disc, which is the already released 'Sun Giant' EP with one extra track! This could be considered to be an un-necessary re-release but at times like this we don't be-grudge Bella Union trying to cash in a bit, plus it gives T&G a chance to correct our original review of 'Fleet Foxes' which was along the lines of "its very good but not as good as people are saying". The truth is this is a brilliant record and the ultimate 'grower'.
So why is this album so good?
Melodies that you pick up on without noticing and then find dancing around your head for days on end. A singer with a wonderful voice. Songs that you'll just love singing along to. The highlights here are songs that you'll want to listen to for years to come.... 'White Winter Hymnal' is a weird, vivid fairytale and the most immediate song on the record, 'Oliver James' is the beautiful, part acapella, ballad with the harmonies to die for, 'He Doesn't Know Why' is maybe best of all, the story of a friend who went down the wrong path with some amazingly poweful singing. The EP has 'Mykonos', with about three distinct and equally catchy sections and the touching, sparse 'Innocent Son'.
All the comparisons have already been made. You'll hear echoes of the Beach Boys, Crosby Stills and Nash and The Eagles here but this is a record that will stand for years to come on its own name, pure quality. This is the sort of record that you'll find yourself buying copies of to give to other people. I said in my original review that there is nothing really new here and that is true. These are just superbly crafted songs that will dance around your head and make you want to sing along. No more or less than that.
9.2
['Fleet Foxes' the 2cd edition is out on Monday on Bella Union. Or you can buy the vinyl copy with 'Sun Giant' on side 4, out now. Fleet Foxes play 3 nights at the Roundhouse in Feb. T&G will be in attendance.]
Thursday, 22 January 2009
The Innocence Mission 'Street Map'
I wrote about this EP when it was released back in December, but I wanted to leave it a while before reviewing it 'properly' as Innocence Mission records generally take a bit of time to sink in. As it turned out, this was no exception.
On their last two, incredibly beautiful, albums grief was the predominant emotion. Karen Peris sang about the death of her Mother ('Befriended') and then her Father ('We Walked In Song') and while these records contained joy through memories and the feeling that her Mother and Father were still with her in some way, there was of course much sadness in the songs. On 'Street Map' Peris observes the world around her and this makes for a beautifully crafted EP.
As always with the Innocence Mission, the music is gentle and pretty. Don Peris' guitar-picking is as expressive as ever and there is plenty of beautiful piano. Karen Peris' voice and words make this record though. She starts the opening song with "Let's not be restless my darlings/ let's be glad at home my dears" and immediately the world is less noisy and rushed, its a peaceful, beautiful opening.
The eight songs here fit together well, including the instrumental interludes. There are undoubted highlights though. 'A Thousand Miles', upbeat and joyous, is a bike ride through an unknown town, taking in sights and noticing small details. 'You Draw The Streets Of Rome' is realising how big the world is and how small we are("the map you draw in blue chalk/ includes us") and 'Pioneering' with its lead piano is the commentary of a tour through a city ("oh drive on/ drive on").
Peris sings all these songs beautifully. She guides us through her World and teaches us to notice and look for things more. This will be the perfect record to play when Spring arrives...except by then there will be a whole new Innocence Mission album to enjoy. This is just gorgeous, heart warming music.
9.3
['Street Map' is out now through www.theinnocencemission.com ]
On their last two, incredibly beautiful, albums grief was the predominant emotion. Karen Peris sang about the death of her Mother ('Befriended') and then her Father ('We Walked In Song') and while these records contained joy through memories and the feeling that her Mother and Father were still with her in some way, there was of course much sadness in the songs. On 'Street Map' Peris observes the world around her and this makes for a beautifully crafted EP.
As always with the Innocence Mission, the music is gentle and pretty. Don Peris' guitar-picking is as expressive as ever and there is plenty of beautiful piano. Karen Peris' voice and words make this record though. She starts the opening song with "Let's not be restless my darlings/ let's be glad at home my dears" and immediately the world is less noisy and rushed, its a peaceful, beautiful opening.
The eight songs here fit together well, including the instrumental interludes. There are undoubted highlights though. 'A Thousand Miles', upbeat and joyous, is a bike ride through an unknown town, taking in sights and noticing small details. 'You Draw The Streets Of Rome' is realising how big the world is and how small we are("the map you draw in blue chalk/ includes us") and 'Pioneering' with its lead piano is the commentary of a tour through a city ("oh drive on/ drive on").
Peris sings all these songs beautifully. She guides us through her World and teaches us to notice and look for things more. This will be the perfect record to play when Spring arrives...except by then there will be a whole new Innocence Mission album to enjoy. This is just gorgeous, heart warming music.
9.3
['Street Map' is out now through www.theinnocencemission.com ]
Monday, 19 January 2009
Bon Iver 'Blood Bank' EP
I do wonder how much attention Bon Iver's 'For Emma, Forever Ago' would have got without the story that went with it. Seriously, did you read any reviews of that album that didn't mention the log cabin, the heartbreak and the hunting?
In any case, Justin Vernon is back with a four track EP which moves on from heartbreak and general musings on hopelessness and lethary to a vague theme of seasons changing and the pursuit of winter warmth. The title track features Vernon singinig largely without his familiar falsetto, but the traditional simple strumming is present. Until a fuzzy electric guitar break towards the end, its all very pleasant but a little bit Coldplay.
The middle tracks, 'Babys' and 'Beach Baby' feel like inconsequential interludes, piano, electronica and falsetto but little that lingers long in the mind. Closing track 'The Woods' certainly does though, with just once verse sang over and over again with varying multi-layered harmonies it is quite haunting. As the song progresses, distortion is used on the vocal sounds to create an other-worldly sound, but it ruins the effect somewhat. It is an interesting experiment though, unsettling but with no small amount of beauty.
This is a patchy EP, with really only one fully formed song and some ideas and experiments. It serves as a reassurance that Vernon can write music without retreating to a log cabin but in terms of quality is a little disappointing.
5.8
['Blood Bank' is out now on cd, 12" and download on JagJaguwar]5.8
In any case, Justin Vernon is back with a four track EP which moves on from heartbreak and general musings on hopelessness and lethary to a vague theme of seasons changing and the pursuit of winter warmth. The title track features Vernon singinig largely without his familiar falsetto, but the traditional simple strumming is present. Until a fuzzy electric guitar break towards the end, its all very pleasant but a little bit Coldplay.
The middle tracks, 'Babys' and 'Beach Baby' feel like inconsequential interludes, piano, electronica and falsetto but little that lingers long in the mind. Closing track 'The Woods' certainly does though, with just once verse sang over and over again with varying multi-layered harmonies it is quite haunting. As the song progresses, distortion is used on the vocal sounds to create an other-worldly sound, but it ruins the effect somewhat. It is an interesting experiment though, unsettling but with no small amount of beauty.
This is a patchy EP, with really only one fully formed song and some ideas and experiments. It serves as a reassurance that Vernon can write music without retreating to a log cabin but in terms of quality is a little disappointing.
5.8
['Blood Bank' is out now on cd, 12" and download on JagJaguwar]5.8
Saturday, 17 January 2009
Bruce Springsteen 'The Wrestler'
I've never been a big fan of Springsteen. Have liked the odd song here and there and I really liked 'Radio Nowhere', the lead track from his last album ('Magic'), but then bought the album and wasn't that impressed.
We went to see 'The Wrestler' yesterday and without giving too much away, the film has a very powerful and emotional ending. Just as the credits start to roll a song plays and a voice sings "Have you ever seen a one trick pony in a field so happy and free / If you've ever seen a one trick pony then you've seen me". Two thoughts entered my head: 1. This is Springsteen and 2. This is absolutely brilliant.
and it continued to be so. Rarely has a song fitted the emotion and feeling of a film so well. A simple song, hardly any instrumentation, but so affecting and sung so well. Everything is so stripped down that it reminds me of the recordings Johnny Cash made with Rick Rubin, taking everything away except the voice and the feeling of the song.
Further investigation reveals that this was written for the film, that much was obvious, on the request of Mickey Rourke. Rourke and Springsteen both deserve great acclaim for their work on 'The Wrestler'.
A beautiful song.
['The Wrestler' is out now as a digital single. It will also feature on the LP 'Working On A Dream' out 26 Jan]
We went to see 'The Wrestler' yesterday and without giving too much away, the film has a very powerful and emotional ending. Just as the credits start to roll a song plays and a voice sings "Have you ever seen a one trick pony in a field so happy and free / If you've ever seen a one trick pony then you've seen me". Two thoughts entered my head: 1. This is Springsteen and 2. This is absolutely brilliant.
and it continued to be so. Rarely has a song fitted the emotion and feeling of a film so well. A simple song, hardly any instrumentation, but so affecting and sung so well. Everything is so stripped down that it reminds me of the recordings Johnny Cash made with Rick Rubin, taking everything away except the voice and the feeling of the song.
Further investigation reveals that this was written for the film, that much was obvious, on the request of Mickey Rourke. Rourke and Springsteen both deserve great acclaim for their work on 'The Wrestler'.
A beautiful song.
['The Wrestler' is out now as a digital single. It will also feature on the LP 'Working On A Dream' out 26 Jan]
Friday, 16 January 2009
"golden years, golden years, no-one liked them, 'cept for us"
I've been reading Luke Haines' new book 'Bad Vibes - Britpop and my part in its downfall'. It is a memoir of the years 1992-1997 when Haines fronted The Auteurs, who in the early 90s were tipped, along with Suede and Pulp, as the future of British indie music. Then along came Britpop...
The book is a fascinating read, especially for anyone wanting to know how someone who recorded a pleasantly catchy radio-friendly single like 'Lenny Valentino' could, just a couple of years later, record an extraordinary, brilliantly dark album like 'After Murder Park'. For me, this was always Haines' masterpiece. With sparse production from Steve Albini, vocals buried low in the mix but sounding incredibly menacing, this was the ultimate reaction to the benality of Britpop. Songs about death, murder and people on the edge of sanity. And it had great tunes!
From there, where could Haines possibly go but to record an electro-funk album about terrorism under the name 'Baader Meinhof'?
I was an early fan of The Auteurs and followed all this at the time, delighting in the shocked reactions of people who were into bands like Menswear and Sleeper. And they thought Haines was mad?
Anyway, this book is a great read. Haines tells the story well and there are more than enough anecdotes about very famous and, now not so famous people, to make you laugh and despair at the same time. Some people come out of it very badly indeed. To many, Haines may come across as slightly bitter but you have to consider just how frustrating it must have been to be a talented, innovative singer-songwriter at the time of Britpop.
['Bad Vibes' is out now in all good bookshops. Luke Haines plays The Roundhouse on Jan 27th, and there is a great, free recording of The Auteurs at The LSE from 1999 available from http://www.lukehaines.co.uk/shop/ ]
The book is a fascinating read, especially for anyone wanting to know how someone who recorded a pleasantly catchy radio-friendly single like 'Lenny Valentino' could, just a couple of years later, record an extraordinary, brilliantly dark album like 'After Murder Park'. For me, this was always Haines' masterpiece. With sparse production from Steve Albini, vocals buried low in the mix but sounding incredibly menacing, this was the ultimate reaction to the benality of Britpop. Songs about death, murder and people on the edge of sanity. And it had great tunes!
From there, where could Haines possibly go but to record an electro-funk album about terrorism under the name 'Baader Meinhof'?
I was an early fan of The Auteurs and followed all this at the time, delighting in the shocked reactions of people who were into bands like Menswear and Sleeper. And they thought Haines was mad?
Anyway, this book is a great read. Haines tells the story well and there are more than enough anecdotes about very famous and, now not so famous people, to make you laugh and despair at the same time. Some people come out of it very badly indeed. To many, Haines may come across as slightly bitter but you have to consider just how frustrating it must have been to be a talented, innovative singer-songwriter at the time of Britpop.
['Bad Vibes' is out now in all good bookshops. Luke Haines plays The Roundhouse on Jan 27th, and there is a great, free recording of The Auteurs at The LSE from 1999 available from http://www.lukehaines.co.uk/shop/ ]
Thursday, 15 January 2009
Thoughts on the 'Pavement reunion'
For those of us of a certain age (mid 30s) and a certain musical taste, hopes were raised yet again, earlier this week, when the NME announced that a Pavement reunion in the near future looked likely. The article even featured quotes from Scott ‘Spiral Stairs’ Kannberg.
Closer examination of the story and quotes, though, revealed nothing new. Malkmus and Kannberg have been saying for years that a reunion tour probably will happen, there is no animosity between the band members – they have all worked on the series of Pavement reissues. When it will happen is another matter. Despite what NME, The Guardian and many others who have reported this story say, Stephen Malkmus’ solo career is successful and in last year’s ‘Real Emotional Trash’ LP he produced probably his best record for ten years. What’s more, with The Jicks, he has a band structure that has sparked great creativity and he is already working on songs for a follow-up album.
It seems to me, as a fan of Stephen Malkmus, that he is more likely to make a great album with The Jicks than he is with Kannberg et al as part of a Pavement reunion. What I would love to see though is a reunion tour, a chance for everybody concerned to enjoy some of our favourite songs again. What makes this all the more desirable is that most of these songs haven’t been played live for a decade. Aside from one legendary show, Malkmus does not play Pavement songs live, I’m sure he would get a kick out of doing so again. The other factor, of course, is money. Pavement are likely to be offered quite serious money to do a tour plus festivals this year or next. Considering they were one of the finest bands of the 90s, hugely influential but never sold out and never achieved huge success, nobody should begrudge them taking this.
I think if you’re a Pavement fan, this is going to be a very exciting couple of years. If you listen to the live Shepherds Bush show recently released as part of the ‘Brighten The Corners’ reissue it is a reminder of what an amazingly innovative live band they were. It is too much to expect the reunion shows to be as exciting and loose as the old shows were, but they will be a lot of fun. I’m guessing we may have to wait til 2010 though…
Closer examination of the story and quotes, though, revealed nothing new. Malkmus and Kannberg have been saying for years that a reunion tour probably will happen, there is no animosity between the band members – they have all worked on the series of Pavement reissues. When it will happen is another matter. Despite what NME, The Guardian and many others who have reported this story say, Stephen Malkmus’ solo career is successful and in last year’s ‘Real Emotional Trash’ LP he produced probably his best record for ten years. What’s more, with The Jicks, he has a band structure that has sparked great creativity and he is already working on songs for a follow-up album.
It seems to me, as a fan of Stephen Malkmus, that he is more likely to make a great album with The Jicks than he is with Kannberg et al as part of a Pavement reunion. What I would love to see though is a reunion tour, a chance for everybody concerned to enjoy some of our favourite songs again. What makes this all the more desirable is that most of these songs haven’t been played live for a decade. Aside from one legendary show, Malkmus does not play Pavement songs live, I’m sure he would get a kick out of doing so again. The other factor, of course, is money. Pavement are likely to be offered quite serious money to do a tour plus festivals this year or next. Considering they were one of the finest bands of the 90s, hugely influential but never sold out and never achieved huge success, nobody should begrudge them taking this.
I think if you’re a Pavement fan, this is going to be a very exciting couple of years. If you listen to the live Shepherds Bush show recently released as part of the ‘Brighten The Corners’ reissue it is a reminder of what an amazingly innovative live band they were. It is too much to expect the reunion shows to be as exciting and loose as the old shows were, but they will be a lot of fun. I’m guessing we may have to wait til 2010 though…
Tuesday, 13 January 2009
new M. Ward LP streaming now...
'Hold Time' the new album from Portland singer-songwriter and T&G favourite M Ward is now streaming online here:
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=99084694
It is released on Feb 17 on Merge...and the 180 gram vinyl with download coupon sounds like the version to get. On first listen it is a quite superb LP, on a par with his very best. Once again, Ward takes us back in time with songs that variously recall the 40s and the 60s. Its beautifully recorded and sequenced, songs float in and out, sometimes atmospheric and slow and sometimes clap-along stompers. Its a thoroughly enjoyable and rewarding listen, a masterclass in how to make diverse, warm music.
Full review in Feb.
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=99084694
It is released on Feb 17 on Merge...and the 180 gram vinyl with download coupon sounds like the version to get. On first listen it is a quite superb LP, on a par with his very best. Once again, Ward takes us back in time with songs that variously recall the 40s and the 60s. Its beautifully recorded and sequenced, songs float in and out, sometimes atmospheric and slow and sometimes clap-along stompers. Its a thoroughly enjoyable and rewarding listen, a masterclass in how to make diverse, warm music.
Full review in Feb.
Sunday, 11 January 2009
what's playing on the T&G stereo this week...
With virtually nothing new released yet this year, T&G have been listening to some (recent) old favourites this year:
- Everything Fleet Foxes! Still stunned by the brilliance of this band. The LP has had several plays along with the under-rated 'Sun Giant' EP and their superb Daytrotter session.
- Innocence Mission 'Street Map'. Their beautiful new EP has had several plays, especially 'A Thousand Miles', which sees them at their most upbeat and life-affirming.
- Various Broken Records 7" singles.
- Pavement's absolutely superb 'Live Europaturnen 1997' live LP, given away free with pre-orders of the 'Brighten The Corners' reissue and essential listening, not least for the extra verse about Kula Shaker in 'Range Life'.
- Animal Collective 'Merriweather Post Pavillion' - only arrived yesterday, so more on this soon.
Come on record company people...let's have some new releases...
- Everything Fleet Foxes! Still stunned by the brilliance of this band. The LP has had several plays along with the under-rated 'Sun Giant' EP and their superb Daytrotter session.
- Innocence Mission 'Street Map'. Their beautiful new EP has had several plays, especially 'A Thousand Miles', which sees them at their most upbeat and life-affirming.
- Various Broken Records 7" singles.
- Pavement's absolutely superb 'Live Europaturnen 1997' live LP, given away free with pre-orders of the 'Brighten The Corners' reissue and essential listening, not least for the extra verse about Kula Shaker in 'Range Life'.
- Animal Collective 'Merriweather Post Pavillion' - only arrived yesterday, so more on this soon.
Come on record company people...let's have some new releases...
Friday, 9 January 2009
M. Ward 'Hold Time'
How do you follow up two records as perfect as 'Transistor Radio' and 'Post-War'?
M. Ward has the answer it would seem. The album 'Hold Time' is not out til mid-February but you can hear the title track AND see the video by going to http://mwardmusic.com/deluxe/ and clicking on the TV button.
What a beautiful track it is too. Orchestral and sounding like a song from at least fifty years ago, the slow, grainy video suits it perfectly. It takes a while for Mr Ward to sing, but when he does his familiar croon sits perfectly on top of the music and delivers a perfect love song in just a couple of verses.
Beautiful. This makes me very excited indeed about the LP.
M. Ward has the answer it would seem. The album 'Hold Time' is not out til mid-February but you can hear the title track AND see the video by going to http://mwardmusic.com/deluxe/ and clicking on the TV button.
What a beautiful track it is too. Orchestral and sounding like a song from at least fifty years ago, the slow, grainy video suits it perfectly. It takes a while for Mr Ward to sing, but when he does his familiar croon sits perfectly on top of the music and delivers a perfect love song in just a couple of verses.
Beautiful. This makes me very excited indeed about the LP.
Monday, 5 January 2009
best thing i've heard so far this year...
Broken Records 'Slow Parade'
Broken Records are without a doubt T&G's 'band to watch' this year. From Edinburgh, they have so far only released two 7" singles and this, the first, has just come to my attention.
Released last Summer but sounding like a perfect 'new year single', the title track is a quite stunning pocket symphony coming on like a heady mix of Tindersticks, Arcade Fire and Belle and Sebastian. Mixing various images of hope and fear such as walking on stage to sing and hearing the band start up, it has a euphoric feel even before the 'all hands to the pump' string-laden coda which will make your heart leap.
Conversely, the b side sounds like a sombre 'year's end' song with images of sitting on the top of a hill hand in hand with the one you love, watching New Year's Eve fireworks. Its a pretty ballad and will make you swoon.
The band's singer, it must be said, has a GREAT voice, sounding at times like Stuart Murdoch and then, when he changes to falsetto, the bloke out of the Darkness.
Sorry about all these comparisons but when something sounds THIS good, you have to try to describe who else it sounds like to set some markers down. To me though, ultimately, this single sounds like Arcade Fire covering a couple of Tindersticks songs. Pretty glorious.
Broken Records have a follow up single out called 'If The News Makes You Sad, Don't Watch It', which T&G will be seeking out and commenting on later this week. Both are out on 7" vinyl on Young Turks. Pretty limited by all accounts. Hope they make an album soon.
[edit: they have an even newer single out called 'Lies'. more on that soon too]
Broken Records are without a doubt T&G's 'band to watch' this year. From Edinburgh, they have so far only released two 7" singles and this, the first, has just come to my attention.
Released last Summer but sounding like a perfect 'new year single', the title track is a quite stunning pocket symphony coming on like a heady mix of Tindersticks, Arcade Fire and Belle and Sebastian. Mixing various images of hope and fear such as walking on stage to sing and hearing the band start up, it has a euphoric feel even before the 'all hands to the pump' string-laden coda which will make your heart leap.
Conversely, the b side sounds like a sombre 'year's end' song with images of sitting on the top of a hill hand in hand with the one you love, watching New Year's Eve fireworks. Its a pretty ballad and will make you swoon.
The band's singer, it must be said, has a GREAT voice, sounding at times like Stuart Murdoch and then, when he changes to falsetto, the bloke out of the Darkness.
Sorry about all these comparisons but when something sounds THIS good, you have to try to describe who else it sounds like to set some markers down. To me though, ultimately, this single sounds like Arcade Fire covering a couple of Tindersticks songs. Pretty glorious.
Broken Records have a follow up single out called 'If The News Makes You Sad, Don't Watch It', which T&G will be seeking out and commenting on later this week. Both are out on 7" vinyl on Young Turks. Pretty limited by all accounts. Hope they make an album soon.
[edit: they have an even newer single out called 'Lies'. more on that soon too]
Friday, 2 January 2009
Mark Kozelek 'The Finally LP'
For someone who could barely get round to releasing a new album every couple of years when with Red House Painters, Mark Kozelek has become prolific since starting his own label. In 2008 alone we had a new Sun Kil Moon album...with a bonus cd, a live EP, a book...with a bonus cd and now this collection of rarities.
'The Finally LP', mysteriously named since it is only released on cd and download, is bookended by two original instrumentals, all the songs in between are solo covers collected from various compilations Kozelek has appeared on through the years.
Highlights include a version of Low's 'Lazy' with passionate vocals and a lovely rendition of Kath Bloom's 'Finally' which sounds like a song from Sun Kil Moon's 'Tiny Cities' album. A stripped down version of 'Send In The Clowns' is Kozelek by numbers and less essential, as is the short, self-explanatory 'Bedtime Lullaby'. The instrumentals are both pretty and their guitar-picking sound will be familiar to anyone who has attended a solo Kozelek gig.
The overall feel of this record is a warm, laid back sound. The songs fit together reasonably well, despite being recorded at different times for different projects. This is, however, a full price release and paying £13 (as I did from a UK indie shop) for 30 minutes of music, most of which has been released before, is a big ask for anyone who isn't a Kozelek completist. A nice listen but not essential.
6/10
['The Finally LP' is out now on cd and download from Caldo Verde. UK fans are best advised to buy direct from the record company, as the price works out cheaper.]
'The Finally LP', mysteriously named since it is only released on cd and download, is bookended by two original instrumentals, all the songs in between are solo covers collected from various compilations Kozelek has appeared on through the years.
Highlights include a version of Low's 'Lazy' with passionate vocals and a lovely rendition of Kath Bloom's 'Finally' which sounds like a song from Sun Kil Moon's 'Tiny Cities' album. A stripped down version of 'Send In The Clowns' is Kozelek by numbers and less essential, as is the short, self-explanatory 'Bedtime Lullaby'. The instrumentals are both pretty and their guitar-picking sound will be familiar to anyone who has attended a solo Kozelek gig.
The overall feel of this record is a warm, laid back sound. The songs fit together reasonably well, despite being recorded at different times for different projects. This is, however, a full price release and paying £13 (as I did from a UK indie shop) for 30 minutes of music, most of which has been released before, is a big ask for anyone who isn't a Kozelek completist. A nice listen but not essential.
6/10
['The Finally LP' is out now on cd and download from Caldo Verde. UK fans are best advised to buy direct from the record company, as the price works out cheaper.]
Thursday, 1 January 2009
Happy New Year
A Happy New Year to all TracksandGigs' readers, whether accidental or deliberate.
Here's hoping 2009 will be as good a year as 2008. Things T&G are looking forward to in the early months of the year:
- New M Ward LP (due Feb) and UK date.
- New Morrissey LP and UK tour
- New Bill Callahan LP (the wonderfully titled 'Sometimes I Wish We Were An Eagle')
- Fleet Foxes UK dates
..and of course all the great surprises we don't know about yet. Amazing to think that this time last year we knew nothing of Bon Iver and Fleet Foxes!
A quick word for what I believe to be the most under-rated album of 2008, even by TracksandGigs...
Stephen Malkmus and The Jicks' 'Real Emotional Trash' has rarely left the T&G stereo in recent weeks. It is a really superb album and a joy to listen to all the great guitar breaks and jams. I gave it an 8 in my review but it definitely deserves a 9. Which leads me to the T&G new year's resolution....which is to wait a little longer before reviewing albums...to live with them for a while more before jumping in with an opinion. Sometimes it is hard to wait when you think you have an album figured out, but T&G will try to this year!
Happy New Year everyone.
Here's hoping 2009 will be as good a year as 2008. Things T&G are looking forward to in the early months of the year:
- New M Ward LP (due Feb) and UK date.
- New Morrissey LP and UK tour
- New Bill Callahan LP (the wonderfully titled 'Sometimes I Wish We Were An Eagle')
- Fleet Foxes UK dates
..and of course all the great surprises we don't know about yet. Amazing to think that this time last year we knew nothing of Bon Iver and Fleet Foxes!
A quick word for what I believe to be the most under-rated album of 2008, even by TracksandGigs...
Stephen Malkmus and The Jicks' 'Real Emotional Trash' has rarely left the T&G stereo in recent weeks. It is a really superb album and a joy to listen to all the great guitar breaks and jams. I gave it an 8 in my review but it definitely deserves a 9. Which leads me to the T&G new year's resolution....which is to wait a little longer before reviewing albums...to live with them for a while more before jumping in with an opinion. Sometimes it is hard to wait when you think you have an album figured out, but T&G will try to this year!
Happy New Year everyone.
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