TRACKS OF THE WEEK - 20/11/2011

Four tracks that scratched our backs this week.

Old Pa's Corner:-
Tom Waits - Back in the Crowd (2011)

On Monday I got and unexpected e-mail from my sister in Canada, she said she loved the track I'd sent her. What track? I immediately went to the 'sent' items and found this track, I had sent it to the world! It then all came flooding back. We had a great meal by the harbour, then went to a bar on the way home (like you always do) until thankfully we ran out of Euros. We returned home and Shellhunter and I had some musical afters. I remember she fell asleep and I decided to check out Tom's new album 'Bad as Me'. This obviously hit me big time and I wanted to share it with the world (piss artist!). I still loved it on Monday and I still love it today.  It is the gentler side of Mr Waits.

SFW:-
Cass McCombs - The Same Thing (2011)

In my search for new music I've started to check Record Labels and search through their websites to discover (or re-discover) artists that I've neglected.  This week, I've been digging through the Domino Records (Arctic Monkeys, The Kills, Wild Beasts) vaults and I think I've got a cracker. Even though I love this track, I just cannot figure out what song reminds me of - and I know I'll be kicking myself (all suggestions welcome!). It is by the American songwriter Cass McCombs (great name) and features on the album 'Humour Risk' that was released this week.  I haven't given him any attention previously - even though he's released over 6 albums since 2003 and 'Humour Risk' is second of 2011 (after 'Wit's End') - but this track alone must justify a serious bit of rummaging through his back catalogue.

Shell Hunter:- 

Dry The River - 'Weights and Measures" (2011)

I was working at a boarding gate a few weeks ago for a flight bound for the USA and spotted five guys with beanie hats, skinny jeans and plimsoles on. They've got to be a band! Being the nosey parker I am, I went over to see if I could get a clue who they were. The security agent asked them what reason they were traveling to the States for: "Business", damn, no help there. One of their entourage said, "They're in a band but I'm just going to watch." Aha! I was right! I asked if I would have heard of them and one of the members mentioned they had just toured with Bombay Bicycle Club! Obviously impressed I asked who they were; Dry the River and their album was soon to be out. I promised I'd keep an eye out and here's the proof, guys! 'Weights and Measures' is the title song from their 4 track EP released on the 14th November and I was pleasantly surprised how much I liked it. The vocals remind me a little of Bon Iver or Jeff Buckley and is right up your street if you're into the growing number of talented Americana, Folk-rock bands that are out there. Let the heart felt emotion wash over you!

Flycasual:-

My Morning Jacket - 'Holding on to Black Metal' (2011)

Great track from My Morning Jacket, taken from their latest offering, Circuital, released earlier this year. I just love the 'big sound' of this song, big choir, big brass and big riff, it's also heavier than what I'd normally associate MMJ with. Then again I have only heard a couple of the 6 or so albums they've released, so perhaps there is a darker, heavier side to them and they are indeed hanging on to black metal. I saw them play on Jools Holland a couple of weeks ago and that performance clinched it for me to include the hirsute rockers here. Quite an interesting video though, I don't get out much these days and I certainly can't handle my liquor as well as I used to but I'll definitely have what he's having.

My Morning Jacket, what a bloody racket!

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