Tuesday 31 March 2015

Villagers - Courage

TUESDAY BLUES

Do you like Singer/Songwriters/Alt-Country/Americana or Indie-Folk, or do you have a unhealthy affection to the sadness, if so you may have a case of the Tuesday Blues!

Courage - Villagers (2015)

Villagers — aka Conor O’Brien — have always been a favourite at the surgery.  Melodic, intimate and intellegent, his latest release, ‘Darling Arithmetic,’ has him playing every instrument, recording and mixing it himself, at his home in Malahide, north of Dublin.

His previous two efforts, Awayland and Becoming A Jackal, are both Mercury-nominated successes. He now features a beard and could become a lookalike for actor James McAvoy, or vice-versa

Sunday 29 March 2015

TRACKS OF THE WEEK 29/3/2015 - Patrick Watson, Brian Wilson, The Four Owls, Kendrick Lamar

Four tracks that had our vote this week....




Shell Hunter:-
Kendrick Lamar - 'King Kunta' (2015)


 I decided to get back into hearing new music by putting my new digital radio in the nursery. Every morning now I stick it on whilst it's feeding time. Yesterday was the first day I thought, "This is excellent, I wonder what it is". I haven't said that for a while it seems! This track is taken from Kendrick Lemar's latest album called To Pimp A Butterfly which was out last week. This isn't normally my thing but it was so good to hear something different and I especially like the little metallic sound which happens every now and then. It's like when a cartoon character gets hit in the head and goes all googly-eyed! Kendrick Lamar is an American Hip Hopster spinning in all the right circles. He has already worked with Godfather of Hip Hop, Dr. Dre so I'm down with some good taste. Word to ya mutha.


Old Pa's Corner :-  
Brian Wilson - Sail Away (2015)


Wow! A new album by one of the true greats Mr Brian Wilson. The new album out soon is called Piers Pressure (2015), and I can't wait to hear it.

I am sitting here in the UK looking out the window watching a couple of squirrels fighting over some nuts and I am listening to this with my cans on. I smile, I am feeling happy, I won't forget the moment. Music you have done it again.

Flycasual:-
The Four Owls - 'Silent Flight' (2014)



"I bumped into my friend the owl the other day and I told him that I had got engaged.....and he said "you twit twoo".Owls, apart from being the recipient of perhaps the best joke in the universe and fierce nocturnal hunters, it's also the name of UK Hip Hop supergroup, The Four Owls (Fliptrix, VerbT, BVA and Leaf Dog). A straight up 'head bobber', the track encapsulates all that is great about the genre, which is sometimes lacking and like Old Skool crews (The Pharcyde, Beasties and Wu-Tang for example), it's the witty lyricism and interplay with the various members of the group, each with their distinct voices that I love. 'Silent Flight', is taken from their 2nd album, Natural Order, out last month (Feb), get your...ehm...talons into it here. UK represent.

High Focus records...

SFW:-
Patrick Watson - Love Songs For Robots (2015)


Montreal's finest has recently released the title track to whet our appetite and I haven't been disappointed. With his 2012 album, Adventures in your own back yard,  still a part of my monthly musical diet, any news of a new album would always be taken with nervous excitement. It follows his familiar format of whispery vocals, piano-led music that can easily put the listener into a sleep-like trance (in a good way!).  Comparisons to Bon Iver with a bass line similar to Air (circa Moon Safari) are not far off the mark.



Listen or even better, subscribe to our tracks of the week playlist here...

Tuesday 24 March 2015

TRACKS OF THE WEEK 22/03/15 - Blur, Muse, Tobias Jesso Jr, Laura Marling, Ryley Walker

Five tracks to spring head first into...




Shell Hunter:-
Blur - 'Go Out' (2015)


First of all, thank you to all who sent their best wishes for Ripley's arrival on Old Pa's Calexico post last week! Its been both the longest and shortest week ever. Living our lives in 3 hour bursts between feeds, not knowing what day it is or even caring, eating when we are hungry no matter if its 2am and feeling elation to frustration in half a second all come part and parcel with being a new parent. But we've reached our first milestone, a week! Our next big event is tomorrow where we will do the title of the latest single from Blur, Go Out. We are off to register her birth! Go Out is the first single to be released since 2003 and its like they have picked up where they dropped off. It couldn't be more Blur if it tried! The guys are older, wiser and it can only spell great things to come from new album The Magic Whip, due on April 27th. This is one happy Blur fan right here.


London Scouser:-
Muse - 'Psycho' (2015)


Shell Hunter was very much otherwise engaged as I wrote this a week ago, as she was in labour with our first child. In the background was our playlist of tracks to take her mind off of the pain from the contractions, I remembered that Muse has a track called 'New Born' so I searched for them on Spotify and was pleased to see they had a new track... It should probably come with a government warning, not to include on baby playlists, but regardless I bloody love it. Its got a trademark Muse riffage but sounds to me like the one that got away from Marilyn Manson. I can't wait for their new album based on this also!

Old Pa's Corner :-
Ryley Walker - Sweet Satisfaction (2015)


I have heard two tracks from the album Primrose Green (2015) the new album by Ryley Walker and I am really impressed. Some of the influences that he is being associated with is rather impressive, but I would say entirely justified. How about Van Morrison, Tim Buckley, Bert Jansch and Pentangle.

This really excellent stuff. I await with great anticipation for the complete album out at the end of the month.

Flycasual:-
Tobias Jesso Jr. - 'How Could You Babe' (2015)


Vancouver's Tobias Jesso Jr almost gave up music a few years back after a luckless spell in LA (the song, Hollywood takes an extra significance) and it's to everyone's benefit that he didn't. His debut album, Goon, was released earlier this month and contains a spectacular array of Lennon-esque songs on love and heartbreak. 'How Could You Girl', is my current weapon of choice to give my heart a kicking.

SFW:-
Laura Marling - False Hope (2015)


I am quite enjoying Laura Marling's heavier vibe, the track features on her new album, short movie, which is singers fifth album in seven years. She produced the album herself, which probably explains the change of direction. Like a hybrid of PJ Harvey meets Pearl Jam, the Hampshire born singer has now returned to England (after spending quite a bit of time in the US) and her new album is a clear reflection of that.


Listen or even better, subscribe to our tracks of the week playlist here...

Monday 23 March 2015

Houndmouth - For No One

TUESDAY BLUES

Do you like Singer/Songwriters/Alt-Country/Americana or Indie-Folk, or do you have a unhealthy affection to the sadness, if so you may have a case of the Tuesday Blues!

Houndmouth - For No One (2014)

I often struggle with introductions, so I'll just deal with the facts. Houndmouth are a four piece from New Albany, Indiana and are the folks-roots equivalent of Mumford & Sons.  Rootsy, Bluesy, Americana-y, they have all the ingredients of becoming a crossover Kings of Leon /Mumford, yet their heart-on-the-sleeve lyrics may put people off.  Whatever your opinion taking acid, shrapnel, and other creative views, this is not a cover of The Beatles masterpiece,  and for once, I don't mind as the beard says it all.

Thursday 19 March 2015

DYLAN COVERS # 186 Golden Earing/Siouxise and Banshees (Live)/Shocking Blue - Wheel's On Fire


IF MY MEMORY SERVES ME WELL!

GOLDEN EARRING - Wheels's On Fire (1997)

Three takes here of Wheels's On Fire. The first take is by Golden Earring and here is an interesting fact for you about these good lads. They have been around  since 1961 and have been active for more than 50 years non-stop, which makes them the world's longest surviving rock band. Beat that Mr Jagger!

This can be found on the album Naked II (1997)

Second is an excellent live take by Siouxsie and the Banshees, recorded on 12/09/88 at the Royal Albert Hall and can be found on thealbum,  Siouxsie and the Banshees At the BBC (2009)
 
SIOUXSIE AND THE BANSHEES - Wheel's On Fire (1988) 

And finally a real shocker, Shocking Blue do a version on their Come back album called Comeback from 1988. Don't know what to think. A bit of a strange one, but you can dance to it. 'Nuff said.

 
SHOCKING BLUE - Wheel's On Fire (1988)

Wednesday 18 March 2015

TWO FOR THE MONEY - Tom Jones - What good am I/Carrying a Torch

OLD PA'S WEDNESDAY CLUB
UNUSUALLY BRILLIANT
Fall in love, I'm never gonna fall in love

TOM JONES AND VAN MORRISON - Carrying a Torch

I am Over in the U.K. at the moment. Shellhunter has given me a daughter Ripley, she is a little belter!

I have always loved the voice of TJ since hearing It's not Unusual,  listenting to the top 20 'under the covers' on a Sunday Night on Radio Luxembourg in the early sixties. Here is Tom singing two great songs by two of my very favourites. Bob and Van.

As regards the Voice the TV programme. Less said. I know I Am, I'm not!.

 
TOM JONES - What good Am I 

Tuesday 17 March 2015

CALEXICO - Love will Tear us Apart x 2

OLD PA'S WEDNESDAY CLUB

CONGRATS SHELLHUNTER AND LONDON SCOUSER, ITS A GIRL : RIPLEY, BORN 15/03/2015


 
CALEXICO - Love Will Tear Us Apart (2010)

Two much going on for my normal Posts. I was watching a Joy Division programme that Old Ma taped for me, She must love me 'cause she hates Joy Division. In the programme they mentioned Love Will Tear Us Apart covers and mentioned Calexico and I just had to Pause and well what you get now is the result.

How did I miss that ??

The Calexico studio track is from  Sweetheart: Our Favourite Artists Sing Their Favourite Love Songs (2010). 

The live version is taken from a live show on 10/05/2013 @ Santa Monica Pier. It is a shame the quality is not great as it is utterly fabulous.

CALEXICO - Not Even Steve Nicks/Love will Tear Us Apart (2013)

Sunday 15 March 2015

TRACKS OF THE WEEK 15/03/2015 - Jack Garratt, Sleaford Mods, Kiddus I

Three tracks to treat yo mamma to...




SFW:-
Jack Garratt - 'The Love You're Given' (2015)


This track has picked me up after a few weeks of melancholy,  London singer Jack Garratt's perfect blend of James Blake-meets-Damien Rice is the antidote for the blues.  Its like drinking a glass of vino on a sunny porch. Enjoy it, it reminds you that it is spring!

Old Pa's Corner :-
Kiddus I and the Home Grown band - 'Take a trip' (2015)

 

Here is a Reggae track from Old School veteran Kiddus I. And I kid you not this is rather good. I will just have to listen to his album as this is the only thing I have heard and I love it lots and lots and lots. It is time, It is time, Africa is Calling, Africa is Calling!


Flycasual:-
Sleaford Mods - 'A Little Ditty' (2014)


Not really new but I've been listening to quite a bit of the vitriolic, 'Punk-Rap', Nottingham duo since I caught their Chubbed Up Singles Collection album at the tail end of last year. Unabashed, foul mouthed social commentary on the state of modern Britain never sounded so good, like a cross between The Fall and The Streets. A Little Ditty is taken from Divide and Exit which was also released last year. As a special treat, check out 'Jobseeker' from their Singles Collection, hilariously vicious!


Listen or even better, subscribe to our tracks of the week playlist here...

Thursday 12 March 2015

DYLAN COVERS # 185 REM - Like a Rolling Stone/Arcade Fire - It's a Hard Rain's A-Gonna Fall

HOW DOES IT FEEL!
REM - Country Feedback/Like a Rolling Stone

Here is something a little different this week. Two songs, that include as part of the song, a Dylan Cover.

First up is the fabulous Country Feedback by REM and features at the end, part of  Like a Rolling Stone. It fits in just perfectly. This was recorded in 2001 in an Unplugged Session and is available.

The second one by Arcade Fire features It's a Hard Rain and this time it is at the beginning of the equally fabulous Wake Up. This was recorded live on 2005-05-06  at  Academy 2, Birmingham, UK.

I might do some of this type of cover in the future. What do you think?

 
 ARCADE FIRE - It's a Hard Rain's A-Gonna Fall/Wake Up
 

Tuesday 10 March 2015

UB40 - Don't Slow Down

OLD PA'S WEDNESDAYS CLUB

POT LUCK - 2!

 
'Helo Mate!...she is upstairs!

UB40 - I Won't Slow Down (extended version) (1981)

This is the second in the series where I pick a number and I find the corresponing song on a list of 'My All Times Greats File' (my choices of course). The intention is to see if I can do a Post about that song.

Good choice Old Pa, UB40s Don't Slow (Down Extended Version)

A few weeks back I did a post about UB40 and Ally Campbell's version of Dylan's, I want You. Maybe I did them a little dis-service. But a great thing about doing posts is that you somtimes get the odd comment that counts.. (You don't get many, I hasten to add), But I got a comment that mentioned Present Arms (1981),  UB40's second album and I got a flood of emotions and visions thinking about that album.

It reminded me of so much!.

looking forward to their follow up album to Signing On and not being disappointed  (is that a first). Making up a compilation tape and being happy when this came on. Being in Nice in Old Ma's,  Mum's flat with a glass of local Vino in hand after being at the Jockey Club (a local bar) and leaving behind the 5 plastic shopping bags from the local supermarket.


But we were 'Starriyed and Laughing' . It was not the end of the World!.

We were happy,  Flycasual was happy, an ice cream cone in his hands.

I have probably got that tape somewhere, somewhere!

 A happy tape!

Good times.Thank You UB40 for the memory.

Sunday 1 March 2015

TRACKS OF THE WEEK 01/03/2015 - Otis Taylor, Public Service Broadcasting, Leon Bridges

Three tracks that St David would approve of...

Old Pa's Corner :-
Otis Taylor - Hey Joe (2015)

 
If you have 16 minutes to spare this Sunday just get these Cans out, sit back and close your eyes or even better watch the the fantastic video. Get lost in this fantastic live take of Hey Joe by Otis Taylor. Absolutely brilliant and as for the violinist. Vanessa Mae eat your skis.
The Studio takes 1 & 2 are on his new album out on Monday and is called Hey Joe Opus Red Meat (2015)

Flycasual:-
Public Service Broadcasting - 'The Other Side' (2015)

I love space shit so I may be biased.
I recently took my son to Science museum during half term. It was heinously busy and we could hardly see any of the exhibits, particularly the section on space. But we did see an IMAX film on the Apollo 11 moon landing which was a definite hit for father and son alike. How they got that tin can covered in foil up to the moon, I'll never know. So it was all fresh in the mind when I heard this superb track from Public Service Broadcasting. I love what these guys do, creating a story by splicing old news reel tapes to music, it's unusual and innovative and 'The Other Side' is no different. It's about the Apollo 8 which was the first manned spacecraft to leave Earth orbit, reach the moon, orbit it and return safely. I was absolutely riveted listening to the radio conversation between Houston and the astronauts, the tension is palpable and I defy you not to feel anxious when the comms go dark as they go behind the moon. I got goosebumps imagining what it must have been like listening to that for the first time, back in December 68'. 'The Other Side' is taken from Public Service Broadcasting's 2nd album proper, The Race For Space, out last month. 



SFW:-
Leon Bridges - Better man (2015)

Since hearing this I have been having a classic soul revival. Leon Bridges is a 27-year old from Texas and his music sounds like a modern day Sam Cooke. Produced by Austin Jenkins and Josh Block of White Denim, it has the feel of a 60s timeless classic. This boy got soul!

Listen or even better, subscribe to our tracks of the week playlist here...